Sean's House expands mental health support for Delaware teens

Sean's House in Newark, Delaware, is adding new mental health services for residents ages 14 to 24. The nonprofit organization announced it will use a grant from NBCUniversal Local Impact to provide additional therapy sessions. The funding also supports the expansion of service locations across the state.

The original facility opened in October 2019 at 136 West Main Street on the University of Delaware campus. Sean Locke, a 23-year-old basketball player and student, died by suicide in 2018. His father converted the family home into a peer counseling center. The house served as a residence for Locke, his brothers, and friends during his time at the university.

Since its opening, more than 50,000 individuals have used the center's services. Kait Davis, a peer leader at the organization, described the support model. "Every peer here in the house has had some sort of mental health lived experience they're able to reflect on and help you through what you're going through as well, so you are never alone," Davis said. Davis first visited the Newark location as a client before joining the leadership team.

The UnLocke the Light Foundation oversees the nonprofit's operations. It recently opened a second Sean's House location in Lewes, Delaware. The organization also operates Sean's Rooms inside local high schools and teen centers. These smaller spaces are not open to the general public.

The organization offers free support to teens and young adults. People in crisis can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Online support is available through chat at 988lifeline.org or resources at SpeakingOfSuicide.com.