🤍This exists because Layla existed🤍 Her story continues because love continues. Every conversation, pledge, presentation, and act of kindness brings us closer to a world where more young people Make It Home: Because someone who loves you is waiting. You are loved.

 As we reflect on the past year and a half since losing Layla, we continue to live in the space between grief and purpose, missing her deeply, while choosing every day to keep her energy alive in a world she can no longer physically be in.

In Layla’s memory, we have worked incredibly hard to continue sharing her life story and to help save the lives of other youth through the Love for Layla – Make It Home campaign. This work is about prevention, guidance, connection, and love, all with one simple but urgent message:

Make It Home. Because someone who loves you is waiting. You are loved.

 We continue to grow the Love for Layla campaign to ensure Layla’s story reaches families, youth, educators, and communities:

• Campaign information and resources:
  Love for Layla Website
  https://loveforlayla.com
   
• Love for Layla Facebook Group (a space for connection, sharing, and support):
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/loveforlayla
   

To bring the message directly into our neighborhood, a “Make It Home” road sign was developed and placed in front of our home as a daily reminder to families and youth in our community. 

Additional banners have been donated and purchased to support events and to promote the Make It Home Pledge.

 As the campaign continues to grow, tangible reminders have been shared widely:

• Over 2,500 car decals, 1,100 stickers, and hundreds of Make It Home wallet pledge cards have been distributed to youth, families, and community members.
   
• Room2Remember on York Street in downtown Fredericton is a proud supporter and continues to hold flyers and decals at no charge so the message remains accessible to everyone:
  https://www.facebook.com/Room2RememberFredericton
   
• Donations have been made in Layla’s memory to a local animal rescue, with ongoing donations continuing to the local SPCA — honouring Layla’s deep love for animals.

 Layla’s story has also been shared through meaningful media opportunities:

• An interview with Inspire FM Radio, sharing Layla’s story, the purpose behind Love for Layla, and the importance of prevention and compassion:
  https://inspire.fm
   
• A deeply special podcast appearance on Jake’s Place: Songs and Tails — a heart-centered podcast hosted by incredible people, Tina and Tommy. This conversation focused on grief, healing, love, and how Layla’s story continues to create ripples of kindness and awareness:
  Rainbows–Jake's Place Songs and Tails – Apple Podcasts 

 I have spent time speaking directly with students in schools across New Brunswick, sharing Layla’s story in the hope of helping youth make safer choices and look out for one another. This work continues to grow alongside the development of a presentation kit for schools and community groups to expand the Make It Home Pledge.

Presentations have included:

• Woodstock High School, where Layla’s story was shared alongside participation in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program (Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth). The P.A.R.T.Y. Program is a one-day injury awareness and prevention program for youth aged 15 and older. It uses real-life reenactments, hospital-based education, and firsthand accounts to demonstrate the long-term consequences of alcohol, drug use, and high-risk behaviours: https://partyprogram.com
   
• Cambridge Narrows School, focusing on choices, peer support, and the importance of making it home.
   
• Fredericton High School, sharing Layla’s story with students and encouraging responsibility and compassion.
   
• Woodstock First Nation Youth Presentation, presented alongside Meg and MADD Canada, creating space for meaningful conversation and reflection.

The message of Love for Layla also extends to adults who support and guide youth:

• Participation in local support groups in Fredericton and Oromocto, sharing Layla’s story in spaces focused on healing and connection.
   
• Presentations to command teams at CFB Gagetown, sharing Layla’s story with young members and parents, and offering guidance on parenting, personal responsibility, and navigating life’s challenges.