The Defensive Line (TDL) is a nonprofit organization based in Texas that seeks to end the crisis of youth suicide, especially for young people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health.
TDL was founded by Chris, Martha, and Solomon Thomas following the loss of their daughter/sister Ella who died by suicide on January 23, 2018. Ella was stunning and bright, and became one of many victims to a rising crisis of youth suicide for young people of color. Out of her death, the Thomas's sought to turn their pain into purpose, by educating people about suicide and spreading authentic truths about mental health, suicide loss, and grief.
The Defensive Line Suicide Prevention Workshops train teachers, coaches, staff, and other adults on how to identify a mental health issue, how to have difficult conversations, and how to create a plan of action so leaders can refer students and young people to existing and lifesaving mental health resources. Their D-Lines content provides succinct direction to make this happen within a school or workplace setting.
In addition to the workshops, Storytelling is another primary part of our organization. TDL began when our co-founders started telling their personal stories of loss publicly. By continuing to share their stories they are advocating for a world where we talk about suicide, mental health, and personal struggles openly so we can become more connected with one another and save lives.
In hopes of helping others, the Thomas family shares their story wherever it can be told: panels, schools, podcasts, conferences, national television, and many others avenues. The Thomas' have shared their stories in at workshops in Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD, Coppell ISD, Baylor, and TCU to name a few. National platforms include CNN, ESPN, CBS Mornings, Spectrum News, People Today Show, Mental Health America Conference, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Conferences, GQ Sports, National Alliance on Mental Illness and many others.
PROGRAM OPTIONS FROM THE DEFENSIVE LINE:
Mental Health Trainings
Keynote Presentation: Turning Pain Into Purpose
TDL Panels with Experts
Parent University
Youth Outreach Programs
Employee Wellness Workshops
TDL Conversations
To end the public health crisis of youth suicide, especially for people of color, by transforming the way we communicate and connect about mental health
1. The Defensive Line is in need of funding to support our suicide prevention workshop for teachers, coaches, and staff throughout Texas. Funding for workshops supports facilitators, travel, research, outreach, and administrative costs.
2. The Defensive Line is in need of funding to support a new program director in Texas to expand the reach of our workshops to new markets and new school districts across North Texas.
3. The Defensive Line is in need of funds to support our expanding program menu including Parent University, Teachers' Self-Care & Wellness Workshop, TDL Conversations Series, and customized program requests.
At The Defensive Line, we are committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion in everything we do. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, deserves access to mental health resources, trusted support, and safe spaces to thrive.
Our programs are designed to address the unique needs of communities that have historically been underserved, centering the voices of youth and families of color. Through our work, we aim to break down barriers, challenge stigma, and create opportunities for all students to receive the care, understanding, and guidance they deserve.
When you support The Defensive Line, you are not only funding life-saving programs—you are joining a movement that values equity, amplifies diverse voices, and ensures that every young person has the chance to succeed.
Organization name
The Defensive Line
Causes
Mental and Behavioral Health
Operating Budget
$500,000 - $999,999
Counties Served
Hood, Wise, Tarrant, Somervell, Rockwall, Parker, Palo Pinto, Navarro, Montague, Kaufman, Johnson, Hunt, Grayson, Fannin, Erath, Ellis, Denton, Dallas, Cooke, Collin
BIPOC Serving
Native American, Black or African American
BIPOC Leadership
Executive Director/CEO
Address
715 CAMBRIDGE MANOR LANE