To Write Love On Her Arms
04-03-2008
by Kevan Breitinger
Jamie Tworkowski’s ministry started without fanfare, when he spent five unexpected days in 2006 supporting a young woman in crisis until a spot opened up for her in a rehab facility. Renee had been awake for 36 cocaine-fueled hours when she went into a bathroom and carved a message of self-hatred into her arm. Jamie’s hope when he saw her arm was to carve a different message into her heart. His story of the things he and Renee experienced in their five days together birthed To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA), a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.
Jamie reaches the teenage audience he is called to by traveling with bands and youth events and speaking to their audiences. On March 27th, TWLOHA joined the “Up In Arms Tour” with Switchfoot, hitting college towns throughout the South and Midwest states. He says, “Switchfoot was the first band to lend the stage to us, back when TWLOHA was simply an attempt to tell a story and help one friend. That was two years ago and we have come a long way since that surprising start. We are excited to hit the road with this band that means so much to us.” The tour will benefit TWLOHA and give Jamie and his team the opportunity to reach many hurting teenagers who might not hear his message of hope any other way.
According to statistics from the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Mental Health, 18 million people 
suffer from depression in America alone, and 20% of teens will have a period of depression before reaching adulthood. Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30% developing a secondary substance abuse problem. However, two thirds of those suffering from depression will never seek treatment. Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers. So Jamie’s foray into the music scene is very much a case of going directly to where the need is greatest, and one of the reasons the Switchfoot members are so happy to support his important work, according to bassist Tim Forman.
“We’ve known Jamie for a long time,” shares Tim. “He’s a unique individual who isn’t afraid to dream big dreams. And he doesn’t see any reason why those big dreams can’t become reality. That’s been the case with To Write Love On Her Arms. His story of Renee really struck a chord with many of us who wanted to get involved with a work like this. So we were thrilled to get on board and help in whatever way we could. We started wearing his TWLOHA T-shirts to encourage him and help get the word out, linking to their myspace, anything we could do to come alongside them. It’s been amazing to watch what it’s become in a few short years,” he adds.
Tim shared with me that the band was also happy to aid the work of TWLOHA because so few depression suffers are getting the help they desperately need. “There’s something in our society that teaches us that getting counsel or seeking therapeutic help is somehow accepting defeat, when in fact it’s the exact opposite. So Jamie will be addressing the audience at a large majority of our shows, and there will be information at every show about where to find help in the area, or how to get involved in helping. That’s actually what TWLOHA does best,” Tim adds. “They’re really great at encouraging people to get plugged in with quality counselors in their area and establishing a healthy network of support. And that’s an idea that I think is contagious. Once a few people realize that they’re not alone, their hope can breathe life into a whole area. Jamie’s work is much bigger than the tour,” says Tim honestly.
“TWLOHA has an excellent network of counselors but they’re just as good at pointing kids toward the good counselors already active in their area. They know what churches and support groups offer people who will really understand their struggle and be willing to love them through this difficult time.” When I mention Christ’s example of giving a cup of water in His name, Tim relates instantly. “Right,” he answers. “When you go into a starving village, giving them a Bible might not be as loving as cooking them a good meal. But if you’re serving yourself up as a network of reliable counselors, you better do it effectively,” he adds. “You have to go up and beyond if that’s the product you’re offering. Same with us. If you’re a band representing Christ, you better have good songs. And that’s where their vision is.”
It’s clear that the Switchfoot guys are showing their usual wisdom in getting behind TWLOHA. The non-profit group is a government-recognized 501-(c)3, based in Florida, giving 25% of all proceeds directly to well established treatment and recovery groups, such as Teen Challenge, National Hopeline Network, Mercy Ministries, Kids Helpline (Australia), and S.A.F.E. (Self Abuse Finally Ends). Their small staff interacts daily with hurting kids through emails, directing them toward local solutions. Visit www.switchfoot.com to check tour dates.
Switchfoot wrote “Love Is The Movement” seven years ago, but it fits the message and work of TWLOHA perfectly and now serves as the organization’s slogan. Tim wraps things up by sharing, “The dialogue surrounding depression is such an important one. It is huge for people to know that these issues are normal and OK to talk about. TWLOHA is breathing hope into lives once trapped by fear and doubts. It’s true,” he says, “love provides the motion that pushes us past the scars we wear.”
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