The flagship initiative of The Aaron Rogers Foundation
We can’t change what happened to Aaron. We can change what happens to the next Aaron.
Be The One is working to build a mental-health system where young people are supported without losing their independence, families are heard without taking over, transitions don’t become cracks to fall through, and no one has to reach the point of crisis before connection begins.
Aaron’s story is why this exists. Be The One is what we’re building because of it.
Our Mission
To continue Aaron’s dream of a kinder, more connected world through belonging, prevention, education, advocacy, and the development of practical ways to support young people.
We want to reduce mental-health stigma, make asking for help feel like strength, encourage meaningful human connection, and work toward accessible, age-appropriate support.
Why Ages 15–25
Our focus is the transition between adolescence and adulthood. We want young people navigating changes in education, relationships, care, and independence to have places where they feel seen, understood, and accepted.
Our work asks how support can grow with a young person rather than disappear as expectations of independence increase. This age range includes minors and adults, whose needs, choices, and legal circumstances must be considered separately.
Support Without Taking Over
Independence should not require isolation.
We are developing a supported-autonomy model in which young people identify trusted people, choose the support they want, and set boundaries around involvement. The aim is not for parents or caregivers to control an adult’s care. It is for the young person to remain at the center of a meaningful support structure.
Connection Before Crisis
We want safe people and welcoming spaces to exist before someone reaches a crisis. Everyday kindness and human connection matter, alongside access to appropriate professional care. They are not substitutes for treatment.
Six Principles Guide the Work
1. Listen before labeling.
Look at behavior in context. Ask what distress or unmet needs may be behind it, rather than reducing someone to a label.
2. Support without taking over.
Help young people retain their voice and autonomy while building a trusted support structure.
3. Treat family information as information.
Make space for relevant observations from families and chosen supporters. Receiving information and disclosing it back are distinct questions that require clear processes and appropriate privacy safeguards.
4. Look across the whole story.
One emergency visit is not the story. One arrest is not the story. One psychiatric admission is not the story. See the person across the transitions.
5. Never let a handoff become a disappearance.
Work toward clear responsibility for continuity. A referral should not count as a successful transition. Connection should.
6. Connection is intervention.
This is our invitation to act early: notice, listen, and help someone connect with support. We are not claiming that connection alone prevents every crisis or replaces clinical care.
Story. Solutions. Movement.
Story: Meet the person behind the purpose.
Aaron’s life, creativity, relationships, and hopes remain at the heart of this work. His story is more than how he died.
Solutions: Build something people can use.
Our developing directions include Support Without Taking Over, campus and clinical pilot concepts, No Lost Handoffs, research translation, and advocacy for more connected care. These are proposals and development priorities, not a list of available services or proven interventions.
Movement: Find your place in the work.
You do not need money to participate. You can help by learning, listening, sharing the mission, offering professional expertise, or starting a conversation about what your community needs.
Help Shape What Comes Next
We welcome conversations with young people, families, educators, clinicians, researchers, and community organizations. Tell us what you want to help build. Please do not send patient records or sensitive health information through the general contact form.
Be the one who notices. Be the one who listens. Be the one who stays.