By: Jessica Susolik

In the quiet neighborhoods of Newport Beach, a profound transformation is taking place—one that began with heartbreak but has blossomed into a movement of compassion, understanding and meaningful change. The Patrick's Purpose Foundation, established by the Turner family following the tragic loss of their son Patrick in January 2018, has become a catalyst for reimagining how our community approaches mental health, academic pressure and the simple yet powerful act of inclusion.

A Legacy of Kindness

"Make changes." These two words, written by 16-year-old Patrick Turner in one of three thoughtful letters he left behind, have become the guiding principle for his family and the foundation created in his honor.

"Patrick's death was an incredible shock to us," shares Kim Turner, Patrick's mother and the driving force behind the foundation. "There were no signs of any struggle whatsoever, which is frightening for all of us. But he did thoughtfully leave us three very well-written letters that explained why he did what he did."

In those letters, Patrick highlighted the immense pressure faced by students in high-achieving communities like Newport Beach, where worth is often measured by GPAs, test scores and college acceptances rather than character and kindness.

"He just decried the pressure that our community puts on kids," Kim explains. "He said, 'What about the nice kid? What about the kid who has good character? Why aren't those kids celebrated?"

Creating Pathways to Change

What began as a scholarship program has organically evolved into a multi-faceted organization touching lives across Orange County. The cornerstone of their work remains the scholarship program, which celebrates students pursuing paths often overlooked in achievement-oriented communities.

"We give scholarships to kids that are going to a community college or a trade school," Kim explains. "That's never celebrated in our community. Nobody's going to wear a t-shirt that says, 'I got into welding school.'"

This initiative directly addresses Patrick's concern about how success is narrowly defined in our society. The foundation has grown to include numerous other programs, all developed with Patrick's call for change in mind.

The annual Patrick's Purpose Walk, held around Patrick's birthday on December 21st, has become a beloved community tradition. What started as a group of about 100 people participating in an American Foundation for Suicide Prevention event has evolved into a significant gathering that brings the community together to honor Patrick while raising awareness about mental health.

"It's grown every year," Kim notes. "I really love it because the college kids are usually home for the holidays, so everybody sees everybody. It's turned out to be a great event."

Beyond Scholarships: A Community-Wide Impact

The foundation's reach extends far beyond scholarships and annual events. They've established the Patrick's Purpose Scholarship at Hoag Aspire, an outpatient mental health program for teens, covering costs for families who can't afford this critical care.

Patrick's Purpose has also donated curated collections of books on emotional learning and mental wellness to elementary schools throughout Newport Mesa and Irvine districts, ensuring that young children have resources to understand and process their feelings.

Their Buddy Bench program places special benches at elementary schools, creating designated spaces where children feeling lonely or left out can sit, signaling to others that they need a friend. This simple yet effective initiative directly addresses Patrick's wish for greater inclusivity.

The foundation also partners with local high schools, including Corona del Mar High School, where Patrick attended. They sponsor parent nights, bring in speakers like Dr. Jerry Weichman, and collaborate with mental health professionals for panel discussions.

Creating Real Change

When asked if she's witnessed actual change since Patrick's passing, Kim reflects thoughtfully. "I definitely think it has shifted the mindset for sure. Just the fact that CDM hired a student liaison person, GW Mix, who all he does is focus on student wellness – that was a direct result of Patrick's letters. I think that's huge."

The impact of Patrick's legacy reaches beyond institutional changes to touch individual families. One mother shared how Patrick's story completely transformed her parenting approach with her teenage sons.

"I changed immediately," she explains. "Kindness is my most important thing now. It's all I care about – their mental health and their true happiness. Are my kids kind? Are they inclusive? I tell them all the time, absolutely nothing is unfixable. And it's all because of Patrick."

If you want to learn more about Patrick's Purpose Foundation or get involved, visit their website at patrickspurposefoundation.org. The site includes information about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, ways to support their mission, and, most importantly, mental health resources.

While the foundation welcomes donations, Kim emphasizes that their greatest hope is for community members to embody Patrick's message of kindness and inclusion in their daily lives. By making these small yet significant changes in how we treat one another, we all contribute to fulfilling Patrick's purpose

Be Nice to Everyone, and Most Importantly, Be Inclusive

The foundation continues to honor Patrick's memory through their work, guided by his simple yet profound philosophy: "Be nice to everyone, and most importantly, be inclusive."

Kim Turner hopes this will be the takeaway for readers. "In Patrick's honor, keep that at the forefront of your mind today and every day."

Editor's note: The Patrick's Purpose annual walk is typically held in December around Patrick's birthday. Information on how to participate or volunteer can be found on the organization's website.

www.patrickspurposefoundation.org