When tragedy gave rise to purpose, a small Denton County nonprofit began rewriting the story of mental wellness for local youth. Founded in memory of Megan Labrum, Meg Matters exists to break the silence surrounding mental health and connect families with resources.
At its heart, Meg Matters is about connection between students, schools, families, and a community determined to ensure no child feels alone. Through a partnership with United Way of Denton County, Meg Matters helps families access three critical mental health services: the database FindHelp.org, where individuals can search for support based on their needs; the Mental Health Navigation Line, staffed by bilingual case workers; and the national 988 mental health crisis line.
“These services are completely free and available to anyone,” says founder Kim Labrum. “The navigation line is especially important. It’s for people in mental distress who may not need emergency care but need help figuring out next steps. It’s a vital support for our community.”
Recognizing that mental health challenges often stem from deeper issues such as hunger or family instability, Meg Matters joined forces with Communities In Schools, an organization dedicated to addressing the whole child. Together, they launched programming within Krum ISD, beginning with the middle school, where the need was greatest. Meg Matters fundraised to support a caseworker who provides counseling, role-playing sessions, and classroom interventions to help students manage stress and social pressures.
“Sometimes the reason for mental health struggles goes back to other unmet needs,” Labrum explains. “By collaborating with schools, we can identify those needs early and provide the right support before they escalate.”
For co-founder Terin Andrus, Meg Matters’ mission is steeped in both advocacy and community. “Our work often places us in rooms where it isn’t always easy to speak openly about how the current system is failing our most vulnerable youth,” she shares. “But it’s through our partnerships, lived experiences, and the trust we’ve built with families that we find the strength to speak loudly."
Their message is simple yet powerful: if everyone checked in on five friends, it could make all the difference.
Meg Matters’ community events bring that message to life—like the annual Community Walk, held in partnership with Krum ISD, and creative fundraisers at local favorites such as Sonic, where middle schoolers hosted corn dog and slushy-eating contests to raise awareness and spark conversations about mental health.
“It’s amazing to see these kids selling Sonic cards and talking about suicide prevention,” Labrum says. “They’re removing the stigma and proving that mental health can be talked about openly, and even with joy.”
Now entering its third year, the Meg Matters Scholarship Program honors high school seniors who have faced mental health challenges or personal loss with courage and resilience. These scholarships are not about perfect GPAs. They are awarded to students who promote kindness and foster inclusion among peers
“We’ve been amazed at the vulnerability of these students,” Labrum says. “They’ve lost family members, struggled with ADHD, eating disorders, or depression. Yet they keep showing up. They inspire us.”
Kennedy Neal, a freshman at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, received one of these scholarships during her senior year at Krum High School.
“Being a scholarship winner has meant so much more than financial support to me,” Neal says. “It’s given me lifelong opportunities to grow. Getting to serve as social media intern with Meg Matters afterward has let me share the heart behind this amazing community.”
What began with five recipients has grown to nine, with Meg Matters awarding more scholarships last year than any other organization in Krum ISD. Each one represents a story of survival and a promise that Megan’s legacy will continue to uplift others.
Meg Matters has also built a strong social media following by sharing uplifting quotes and personal stories of resilience.
“It’s been incredible to see people come together,” Labrum reflects. “Our world can be dark, but there are so many good people out there doing good things. If we could all unite, imagine the impact we could have. It’s not just Meg that matters. It’s kids that matter.”
Local Mental Health Resources in Denton County
If you or someone you know needs support, these local resources—partnered through United Way of Denton County—offer free and confidential help:
-
FindHelp.org – Search thousands of local programs for food, housing, mental health care, and more. Visit www.findhelp.org to learn more.
-
Mental Health Navigation Line – Bilingual case workers help connect you to the right local services. Call (940) 349-8811 or visit www.unitedwaydenton.org/mentalhealth.
-
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime for immediate mental health or emotional crisis support. Visit www.988lifeline.org for more information.
-
Credible Mind – Peruse thousands of resources promoting mental well-being, from podcasts to self-care tools. Visit www.unitedwaydenton.crediblemind.com.