Amid several recent student deaths and mental health concerns on campus, a new organization has emerged hoping to provide help to students.
The group “Local USC Moms and Dads” is comprised entirely of parents of current and former students, and aims to support students who may be struggling through a variety of methods such as social media outreach and events, like their Cookies and Cupcakes event hosted Nov. 19 on Trousdale.
During the event, members of the group gave out free treats to students and informed them about how the organization is available to them.
A USC mother with a daughter who is a junior studying neuroscience said she brought cookies and attended the event in order to let students know she is there for them.
“What brought me here today is the same reason all the other parents are here today: a concern for our kids and a concern for all the other kids on campus and a concern for their mental health,” said the mother. “We want them to know that there’s a lot of people who live really close to campus who care so much about everyone.”
The group, although not intended to replace medical or mental health professionals or substitute other professional services, exists to provide help and resources to students who may be feeling homesick or who may simply need a helping hand.
“We are all part of this Trojan Family and these parents are here to help you in anyway you need, whether it’s a ride to a doctor’s office, a parent to talk to, advice, help with a project, love a dog or pet a puppy because you miss your hound," said the mother. "Whatever it is, we want you to know we’re here for you.”
Gina Eckstein, a USC alumni who has a son currently enrolled at USC and a daughter who graduated last year, expressed concern over recent student deaths.
“Everybody needs to come together as a community and figure out what we can do to be here for the students so we don’t have anymore of these horrendous deaths,” Eckstein said. “Parents are just tired of hearing bad things happen and we want to do something to help the students so we are here to say ‘We are here for you’.”
In addition to the event hosted today, Local USC Moms and Dads has a Facebook group, which was created just a week ago, yet already has over 1,600 members.
The Facebook group allows for parents who live far from campus, as well as students, to connect with local parents.
Alexandra Beverlin, a senior studying communications, appreciated the event today and thought the efforts of the parents were important.
“I think it’s phenomenal that they’re doing this,” Beverlin said. “I think it allows people to feel comforted and a sense of joy and acceptance.”
The Local USC Moms and Dads are planning to host several other events this school year, and are hoping to see their social media reach grow.
“The parents of USC are all here to help you,” said Rachel Small, a member of the group.