East Cherokee Storage, a self-storage operator in Woodstock, Ga., is supporting the Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program (YRSPP), an international initiative dedicated to education, training and public awareness surrounding youth-suicide prevention. Property managers Melissa Emert and David Moore are working with the Georgia chapter to raise awareness and collect donations to continue the program’s Yellow Ribbon Card Program in the state.
“The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program is based on the premise that suicide is not about death, but rather about ending pain, and that it’s OK to ask for help,” according to the YRSPP Georgia chapter’s website. “Yellow Ribbon cards are distributed and carried as a simple, effective tool to use and ask for help when feelings of suicide arise. The cards have proven to be lifelines because they are a reminder to young people that they have permission to ask for help. It helps them talk when they may not have the words, and it tells the recipient of the card how to help the suicidal person.”
Founded in 1994, YRSPP has been implemented in schools and communities in all 50 states and 47 countries. The international office has letters and e-mails documenting the program has saved more than 2,500 lives, according to the website.
East Cherokee decided to work with the Yellow Ribbon campaign after Emert noticed a YRSPP decal on a car. She contacted Judy Merritt, who started the Georgia chapter in memory of her son, Connor, after he committed suicide in 2010 at age 17.
East Cherokee Storage, at 125 Highland Village Drive, comprises 100,000 square feet in 625 units. The indoor facility offers 16 different unit sizes, video cameras and keypad access. It is managed by Absolute Storage Management (ASM).
Founded in 2002, ASM owns and manages self-storage facilities throughout the Southeast, operating more than 75 properties in 11 states. The company is actively seeking to add additional properties to its portfolio through traditional third-party management relationships and joint-venture/acquisition opportunities. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., it has regional offices in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; and Jackson, Miss.
