Niagara University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program has partnered with 4TeamBrock, a Western New York nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and community-based support. Through this partnership, the 4TeamBrock Mental Health Advocacy Scholarship was created. This $2,500 tuition award is given annually to a CMHC graduate student committed to mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. Recipients agree to take part in advocacy and suicide prevention activities each year, engage in community outreach and awareness events, and reflect on their advocacy work throughout the program.
Dr. Deborah Tallman Curtis, ’84, former Niagara University professor in the College of Hospitality, Sport and Tourism Management founded 4TeamBrock after losing her son, Brock Wesley Curtis, ’18, to mental illness in 2021. Since its founding in 2024, the foundation has focused on aiding young adults in need of mental health services. Dr. Jennifer Beebe, chairperson of the CMHC at Niagara University, established the partnership between Niagara University and 4TeamBrock.
On Sept. 20, 4TeamBrock hosted “Together We Walk” at Clarence High School where the foundation raised more than $12,000 to help support student mental health. All proceeds from the walk directly supports students in need of mental health services, along with group training sessions. At the event, Niagara University student Caleb Calhoun became the first recipient of the 4TeamBrock Mental Health Advocacy Scholarship.
“Partnering with community organizations such as 4TeamBrock is essential to raising awareness about suicide prevention and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health,” said Dr. Beebe. “Advocacy is at the heart of what we teach our counseling students and is deeply rooted in Niagara University’s Vincentian mission. This partnership puts those values into action and reinforces an essential lesson for our future counselors: their responsibility extends beyond the counseling room and into the communities they serve.”
The goal of 4TeamBrock is to destigmatize mental illness and prevent suicide. The foundation raises funds during events through monetary and product sponsorship, basket donations, T-shirt sales, timed race registration, and direct donations. You can learn more about 4TeamBrock on their website.
