Welcome, I am Jeannine Rivers, a Suicide Prevention Educator and Mental Wellbeing Expert. As the founder of Illuminate Your Dreams, I am hired to build hope in women's lives by coaching them to "Embrace their essence" and
"Cherish their being."
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Life can appear to be complicated and a waste of time. You will agree with me- Life is filled with highs and lows. Sometimes, the hardness of life can knock us down to the point where we may not be able to get up or see the light of hope. This is when we can begin to feel helpless and thrown away.
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I can relate!
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In my twenties, it appeared as if I had it all: a successful career, a great apartment, and an impeccable, great smile that I always carried with me. Behind each smile, there was an excruciating loss. I no longer felt like I mattered, so in March of 1985, I tried to take my own life. I was in a coma for two weeks before I would open my eyes to a new life. The moment changed everything for me; I remembered what it felt like to have faith the size of a mustard seed. HOPE precedes and is connected with faith. You can't have one without the other.
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Life for a suicide attempt survivor can be a complex journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Yet, each day presents an opportunity for healing, growth, and rediscovering the value of life despite the lingering scars; many survivors emerge with a newfound appreciation for life.
So, if you are hurting today, doubting that your life will ever get better, I will equip you with the tools to use overwhelming force against your challenges so that you can conquer them, learn to love yourself and reach your goal.
Remember HOPE has a way of beautifully transforming the lives of all who embrace it.
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Keep your HOPES up,
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No matter what accomplishments
you make, somebody helped you.
-Althea Gibson
Milwaukee County Chairwoman
Marcelia Nicholson
Congress Woman Gwen Moore and her staff; along with the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors presented
Jeannine Rivers Colburn with a Proclamation recognizing her dedication to partnering with organizations like: Prevent Suicide Wisconsin, Mental Health Wisconsin, and the American Foundation for Suicide.
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Jeannine was given accolades for her tireless efforts to raise awareness, provide support, and promote mental well-being within our community.
Congress Woman Gwen Moore stated the following:
"I thank you for all you have done to benefit our community. You have touched the lives of many over the years; may you continue to be a blessing to those who know and love you."
Congratulations Jeannine, job well done.
Man gives you the award but
God gives you the reward.
-Denzel Washington
Proclamation
of Achievement
How Can I Serve You?
i AM A LIVED EXPERIENCE EXPERT
“We are experts by experience—people who have lived with mental health conditions, people who've been suicidal, people who are trauma survivors. That is just as valuable as the kind of academic credentials that people earn. And it’s incredibly important that we work together as partners.”
Certifications
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Licensed Mental Health Coach
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Emotional CPR Practitioner
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QPR Gatekeeper
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Alternatives to Suicide Facilitator
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Suicide Prevention Group Facilitator
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Espeakers Virtual Presenter
PARTNERSHIPS
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​Prevent Suicide Greater Milwaukee
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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Mental Health of America Wisconsin
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American Federation of Suicidology
What People are Saying
“Keeping a journal is not something I looked at seriously. I thought it was silly. This workshop was a reminder that emptying your mind allows your creativity to flow."
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— CAROL F.
“The energy and positive ideas pushed me to the next level of confidence and success! I am looking forward to working more with Jeannine in the future to learn more tips for success!”
— CAROL F.
"Jeannine’s stories, especially about challenging fear, have stayed with me since I finished her book...There are lots of great, achievable suggestions for improving confidence..."
-Jodie L
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