CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A new nonprofit honors a young man, Caleb Slate, by making donations in his honor and supporting suicide prevention programs.
Caleb’s mother, Christina Slate, said her son died by suicide unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2019. He was 17 and attended Northeast High School, where he was starting his senior year and would have graduated in the class of 2020.
She started the Caleb Cares Project in July 2020.
“I use the organization. which gives me a purpose for my pain. It’s something that Caleb and I can still do together. He cared deeply about people and his community, and this organization has given me a way to carry on his legacy,” Slate said.
Slate described her son as someone who was a lot of fun, who never met a stranger, who was kindhearted and encouraging to everyone.
Caleb kept himself busy as a lifeguard for the City of Clarksville and a referee for the Montgomery County Soccer Association. He volunteered with Manna Café Ministries, and just before his death had gone on a mission trip to Paraguay.
Slate shared that a youth group member who worked with Caleb told her that “Everyone needs a Caleb in their life,” and Slate had that put on his headstone.
The Caleb Cares Project has a catchphrase: “You’re a big deal around here,” and Slate said they want the community to know that they are here to help. The organization has provided new lifejackets for Clarksville pools and adopted a family at Lincoln Homes.
The group held a 5K fundraiser in May 2021, and there are plans for future fundraisers and events.
Slate strongly encourages parents to open conversations at home.
“Talk to your kids about what to do when life turns dark, because we all know that it does, especially in young people. Ask them those hard and difficult questions because you never know when you might be saving their life,” she said.
To learn more about Caleb, the Slate family and suicide prevention, visit the Caleb Cares Project website.