MONROE — After thirteen years of service, connection, and healing, the Ellefson family has made the heartfelt decision to close Jacob’s SWAG Foundation. The decision went into effect at the end of July.
“This choice comes after a year of deep reflection and change within our family, and we feel it is time to step into a new chapter and return to simply being ‘the Ellefson’s,’” wrote the family — Kurt and Teri Ellefson, and Sam and Conner Choate — in a public letter announcing the change. “Jacob’s SWAG has been part of our daily lives for so long that it’s hard to imagine a world without it. Yet we know this moment is right. And as we take this step, our hearts are overflowing with gratitude.”
Jacob’s SWAG was created in memory of Jacob Ellefson, who died by suicide in 2012 at just 14. According to the family, he was known for his kindness, humor, and ability to make others feel seen and valued.
Along with speaking out to bring a more public conversation to the topic of suicide and mental health, the foundation also launched the “Got Your Back” app in 2020. The app, available on smart phones and tablets, aims to help prevent suicide and self-harm by individuals in a mental or emotional crisis. While the app is targeted towards teens, it can be used by anyone.
“One of our greatest joys has been watching the Got Your Back app grow far beyond what we ever imagined. We are incredibly honored and proud to share that the app will now be passed to the School District of Monroe (pending board approval on Aug. 10),” the family’s message said.
They added that the future of the app “is in amazing hands” with the school district.
“Not only will this team continue meeting the high need for mental‑health support, but students will also learn the behind‑the‑scenes work of developing, maintaining, and supporting a national‑level app. Knowing that Jacob’s legacy will continue through both support and education means more than we can express.”
Over the past 13 years, Jacob’s SWAG Foundation has invested $302,170 back into local communities through scholarships, mental‑health training, kindness initiatives, Buddy Benches, elementary programs, Boxes of Love, and the development and growth of the Got Your Back app. Every dollar, every program, every conversation was made possible because of its supporters, the family said.
The family thanked its long line of supporters, whether they donated, attended a fundraiser, “listened to our story, shared your own, or offered a smile when we needed it most — thank you. You helped us carry Jacob’s memory. You helped us carry each other.”
The family also thanked its board members — Karen Mau‑Boll, Joe Monroe, and Todd Schluesche.
“These three incredible individuals helped build an amazing foundation that reached countless lives. Their dedication, wisdom, and compassion shaped every step of this journey, and in the end, they didn’t just serve on our board — they became our family.”
Although the foundation is closing, the Ellefson’s said their commitment to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and honoring Jacob will never end.
“We will always be here if you are struggling, worried about someone, or simply need someone to sit with you in silence,” the farewell letter added. “Jacob’s SWAG Foundation may be closing, but the compassion, conversations, and community it created will continue — through us, through you, and through every life touched along the way.”
