Our Story
The Jordan Porco Foundation was founded in 2011 by Ernie and Marisa Giarnella-Porco after they lost their son, Jordan, to suicide when he was a freshman in college.
In their grief, Jordan’s parents learned the unacceptable statistics surrounding mental health and suicide in the young adult population, and decided they needed to turn their grief into action so that other families would never have to experience such a profound loss. They recognized an overwhelming need for education and programming that would serve to empower students and their peers to recognize warning signs, understand resources, and have the courage to seek help for themselves and others.
The Jordan Porco Foundation is a 501(c) (3) public charity located in Wethersfield, CT that offers a variety of programs with a national reach. Our mission is to prevent suicide, promote mental health, and create a message of hope for young adults. We accomplish this by providing engaging and uplifting peer-run programs. Our programs strive to start a conversation about mental health that reduces stigma while encouraging help-seeking and supportive behaviors.