CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – An anonymous group of donors are honoring Jack Schleier’s life with a $50,000 pledge to Foundation 2 Crisis Services.
The announcement was made Monday as witness testimony approached its conclusion during Matthew Schleier’s first-degree murder trial. The defense is expect to provide a rebuttal Tuesday morning.
Last week in court, testimony focused around Schleier’s difficulties seeking proper treatment for his mental break, which resulted in the death of his his five-year-old son, Jack.
Foundation 2 is one of two 988 responders in Cedar Rapids and offers free, confidential, 24/7 assistance.
The intention of the donors — who are friends close to the Schleier family — is to reduce stigma around mental health and encourage more people to reach out for help.
Victoria Schleier, Jack’s mother, expressed gratitude to the families making this donation.
“We are deeply grateful to those whose generous gift makes this possible,” she shared in a statement. “Their commitment represents a positive step forward in advancing mental health awareness and advocacy in our community. Acts of love like this remind us to do what we can, when we can, to create lasting change in the lives of individuals and families.”
Foundation 2 Crisis Services says it’s working with the donors to expand community outreach and workplace mental health training for businesses, and honoring Jack’s life.
“We are grateful for this gift and the message it sends regarding destigmatizing mental health,” said Emily Blomme, CEO at Foundation 2 Crisis Services. “The intention is expanded awareness and we’re optimistic that this gift will be the reason someone decides to call Foundation 2.”
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