Our Story: Why We Fight for Change
Tippecanoe County is facing a severe youth mental health crisis — one that cannot be ignored any longer. With almost 200,000 residents, rising living costs, and wages that do not match today’s pressures, many families are forced to make impossible choices. Too often, that means sacrificing essential healthcare, prescriptions, groceries, transportation, or utilities just to stay afloat.
At the same time, our youth are struggling more than ever.
Unresolved Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are one of the leading risk factors for developing mental health disorders and substance use issues later in life. Kids who don’t get the support they need often grow into adults who continue the cycle — unless someone steps in early enough to help.
Right now, if a child under 18 in our county needs mental health services, the wait can be months to a year. When they finally get in, many only receive help once every two weeks or less.
Even worse, Tippecanoe County has no substance-use treatment programs for anyone under 18.
Not one.
We are the 8th largest county in Indiana.
We are currently building FOUR brand new medical facilities, none of which will treat youth mental health or SUDs.
We are home to Purdue University.
And yet, we cannot offer our kids the help they desperately need.
WHAT’S WORSE?
Suicide is the #2 cause of death in the State of Indiana for youth 10 and older
In 2023, nearly 1 in 4 Indiana high school students (23.6%) reported having made a plan to commit suicide.
Source: https://www.in.gov/issp/about-suicide-prevention/
Who We Are
We are parents.
We are mental health students.
We are community members and volunteers.
We are people who have heard “no,” “we can’t help,” and “we won’t accept them here” far too many times.
We have held the hands of struggling teens.
We have lost children to their own battles.
We have seen firsthand what happens when a system fails the very kids it is supposed to protect.
And we decided that “no” is no longer an acceptable answer.
Our Mission
Collect;bles for Change Foundation™️ is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Lafayette, Indiana. Our mission is to:
Actively advocate for expanded youth mental health services
Push for local substance-use treatment options specifically for adolescents
Support families who don’t know where to turn
Raise funds to fuel long-overdue change in our community
How We Support Our Mission
Community support is essential to creating lasting change. In addition to advocacy and outreach, we engage with the community through local events and an online shop that helps sustain our work.
Product Donations
Some items sold by Collect;bles for Change Foundation, Inc. are donated by Collect;bles for Change LLC in support of the Foundation’s charitable mission. All donated items are accepted at the discretion of the Foundation, and all proceeds from sales are used solely to further the Foundation’s exempt purposes. This structure allows us to focus the Foundation’s efforts on advocacy and youth services while maintaining clear operational boundaries.
Every purchase — whether it’s a thrifted hoodie, a collectible item, or a handmade craft — helps us fight for the resources our kids deserve.
**Product sales are not tax-deductible donations.**
Our Vision
We believe Tippecanoe County should have:
Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for youth
Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs)
Inpatient mental health facilities
Inpatient and outpatient substance-use treatment specifically for adolescents
Early-intervention supports
Community-based prevention and education
This isn’t optional.
It’s overdue.
When 200,000 people make enough noise — enough to say “we want our tax dollars, our donations, and our community support invested HERE, in our kids” — we must listen.
Politics fade away.
Arguments fade away.
What remains is our shared hope for our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and neighbors — and our determination to break generational cycles that have caused far too much harm.
That is the heart of the Collect;bles for Change Foundation™️.
Why We Fight
The truth is simple:
When a teenager is finally ready to ask for help, that help needs to be available.
Immediately. Compassionately. Locally.
No more waitlists.
No more hour-long drives.
No more parents told to “come back if things get worse.”
Our kids deserve better.
Want to Get Involved?
If you’d like to volunteer, join our mission, or learn more:
📧 Email us at advocate@collectiblesforchange.org
💛 We would love to connect with you.