To Write Love on Her Arms

To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is an American nonprofit organization that aims to present hope for people struggling with addiction, depression, self-injury and thoughts of suicide, while also investing in treatment and recovery. Based in Melbourne, Florida, TWLOHA seeks to connect people to treatment centers, websites, books, support groups, helplines, and other resources. TWLOHA also encourages people to have honest conversations about mental health, and to live in community. Founded by Jamie Tworkowski in 2006, the organization's name is a direct reference to the first person the organization helped to receive treatment for addiction and self-harm, a young addict who self-harmed by cutting the words "Fuck Up" on her arm with a razor blade. Tworkowski and a group of friends stayed with her in order to "be her church, the body of Christ coming alive to meet her needs, to write love on her arms". Much of TWLOHA's work is dedicated to bridging the gap between mental health treatment (e.g., rehab, counseling, helplines) and the lives of people in need of help. The organization meets and interacts with people at music festivals, schools and universities, and through social media. Aiming to support existing professional help organizations rather than replace them, TWLOHA has invested in causes such as Hopeline, InTheRooms.com, S.A.F.E. Alternatives, Minding Your Mind, and (in Australia) Kids Helpline. The group's initial exposure came from musicians and bands wearing the organization's T-shirts in photographs and during live performances, but it has recently gained more exposure through merchandise and social media websites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and Tumblr.