Kelli Richardson Lawson, Founder
Kelli’s Why
Kelli’s true story in her own voice…
Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine it could happen to our family, especially not to him. Our son Kyle, a bright and outgoing young man, excelling in school, setting swimming records, and seemingly content, gave no indication that he would make choices that would alter the course of his life.
Why would he? He was surrounded by love from family and friends, attended a top-notch school, and had all the material comforts one could ask for. But during his freshman year of high school, we noticed a change in his social circle, veering towards friends he kept hidden from us. His grades slipped, his passion for swimming faded, and there were days when he struggled to get out of bed.
In 2017, Kyle embarked on the typical journey of a high school freshman. He was a talented 15-year-old, excelling in his studies, surrounded by a close-knit group of friends, and even earned an invitation to attend the Olympic Training Center for a Diversity Camp.
However, our lives took a heartbreaking turn in the spring of 2018. Kyle's behavior became increasingly combative, and he developed a troubling addiction to marijuana. Later that year, our world was shattered when Kyle attempted to take his own life. Doctors delivered a devastating diagnosis: severe depression and anxiety. This news left my husband Keith and me in a state of profound shock and overwhelming sorrow.
Kyle's behavior escalated as he rejected prescribed medication, turning to excessive marijuana use as a form of self-medication. He began spending extended hours away from home, often with a new group of friends he never introduced to us. As parents, we exhausted numerous strategies in an attempt to address the issue. We applied punishments, removed electronic privileges, and even removed his bedroom door, but the problem proved to be unyielding. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we understood that professional intervention was necessary, and we were committed to finding a path forward. We implemented standard parental measures, firmly establishing a "No drugs in our house" policy. Unfortunately, these efforts appeared futile as the problem persisted, seemingly immune to our intervention, and the situation continued to deteriorate.
Facing the harsh reality of Kyle's situation, we made the agonizing choice to enroll him in a wilderness program in North Carolina, followed by a therapeutic facility in Connecticut. Despite our optimism and best intentions, these treatments proved to be ineffective, and Kyle's struggles continued to escalate. His academic performance suffered, and his passion for swimming, once a source of joy, faded into the background.
This photo captures a moment of crisis taken by a dear friend of mine and my husband, Keith. It was a sleepless night filled with worry as we searched for our son, Kyle, desperately awaiting any news of his whereabouts.
Throughout our arduous journey, my husband Keith and I grappled with a rollercoaster of emotions - fear, helplessness, and profound loneliness. Despite our efforts to seek assistance from therapists, as Black parents, we often felt as if we were navigating these challenges in isolation. However, as time passed, we came to a significant realization: other Black parents within our networks were grappling with similar hardships.
In response to this revelation, I made a decision to establish The Sonrise Project. My vision was clear - to create a haven where Black families like ours could find solace, unwavering support, and deep understanding. The Sonrise Project emerged as a symbol of hope, a sanctuary where Black parents could unite, share their unique experiences, seek valuable guidance, and extend comfort to one another in times of need.
At the core of Kelli Richardson Lawson's remarkable journey as an Emmy Award-winning creative visionary and entrepreneurial business leader lies a profound devotion to family values, joy, and empowerment. With over three decades of experience, Kelli has consistently championed change, impacted lives, and invested in communities of color. Her unwavering commitment to creating a world filled with joy and possibility shines through in her work and resonates deeply with those she touches.
Kelli is a work in progress, just like the parents she serves through The Sonrise Project. She understands the journey of uncertainty, heartache, and resilience that comes with having a child struggling with mental wellness. With compassion and unwavering determination, Kelli has dedicated her life to empowering and uplifting Black parents facing similar struggles.
Guided by the power of family, Kelli founded The House of JOY and The Sonrise Project, organizations that embody her core values and aspirations. House of JOY, formerly known as JOY Collective, is a Black and woman-owned cultural insights, marketing, and creative agency that thrives on uplifting brands while fostering meaningful connections. Through House of JOY, Kelli has built bridges, sparked conversations, and led award-winning, groundbreaking campaigns for esteemed brands like Dove/The CROWN Movement, BET, OWN, Disney, AARP, and many more. Her extensive career and her body of work have become a testament to the transformative power of authentic representation and positive change.
Driven by her deep compassion for mental wellness and addiction issues, in 2020, Kelli established The Sonrise Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Black parents facing these challenges with their children. Anchored by her family values, her goal is to provide a nurturing and inspiring space for parents to connect, share experiences, and offer support.
You Are Not Alone
At The Sonrise Project, we believe in the power of community, empathy, and shared experiences. That's why we invite you to join our Sonrise Sunday Calls, where parents like you come together to connect, share their stories, and find the support they need.
During these weekly calls, you'll have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with fellow parents who understand your unique challenges. It's a safe space where you can express your fears, share your triumphs, and gather strength from the collective wisdom and support of others.
