Berlet Family Foundation – In Memory of Austen Berlet
Berlet Family Foundation –
In Memory of Austen Berlet
“Austen to me was perfect. He was everything I ever wanted in a son.”
- David Berlet
Austen Berlet
The Berlet Family Foundation became part of London Community Foundation to fund local mental health initiatives for post-secondary students. The fund was created in 2015 in memory of Austen Berlet.
With a natural aptitude for theoretical physics and applied mathematics, Austen shone as a student at Western University while quietly suffering from depression. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19. Two years later, on July 20, 2009, he took his own life at the age of 21.
In an effort to help others like Austen, the Berlet Family Foundation has focused its impact on Western students. This includes exam stress-counselling sessions made possible through CMHA Middlesex in conjunction with the Austen Berlet Campout for Mental Health organized by Phi Gamma Delta. The support of LCF’s Community Vitality grant program has helped expand this service to King’s University College and Fanshawe College.
Our work is just beginning. The need for accessible, local, youth-focused mental
health initiatives is great – so please consider helping us with a donation to this fund.