We Help Adolescents
Make Healthy Choices
Empowering teens and preteens through our programs and providing training to the adults who serve them.
We Help Adolescents
Education for a Lifetime promotes conversations around adolescent relationships and mental health, with an emphasis on sexual activity and suicide prevention. While advocating for optimal whole-person health, EFL focuses on removing stigma around these topics. We believe that every student should have healthy, non-violent relationships, and have access to help and hope to live purposefully.
For Students
For Educators & Youth Workers
For Parents
For Students
We offer our Pursue program for both middle and high school students. Pursue Middle School introduces students to important topics around relationships and boundaries. Pursue High School encourages students to avoid high-risk behaviors, and is meant to be taught alongside the human anatomy and sexuality unit in high schools.
Who Can Relate is a conversation-driven program that encourages students to identify their value and self-worth in order to prevent suicide, bullying, self-harm, abusive relationships, and more. This program is designed to be taught alongside health classes in schools, and is adaptable to different school schedules.
For Educators & Youth Workers
This training is for individuals and organizations who work with youth ages 12-18 who are in crisis, experiencing a mental health challenge, or struggling with addiction. The course covers common mental health challenges for youth and typical adolescent development, then teaches a 5-step action plan for helping adolescents in need. Those who pass the course attain a Youth MHFA certification.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
This training is for individuals and organizations who work with youth and want to become trauma-informed community care members. The course covers basic knowledge of trauma and provides strategies for reducing the impact of trauma among children, families, and communities.
For Parents
Our Parent Talks are designed to help parents learn why and how to have conversations with their adolescent about sexual activity, relationships, suicide, and other high-risk behaviors. These talks are led by our skilled trainers, who equip and empower parents by sharing tips for having conversations with teens or preteens and providing resources on each challenging topic.
Our Staff
Allen Hunter
Director
Allen has worked with youth and families for over 25 years. He has a Master’s Degree in Youth, Family & Culture, along with multiple certifications.
Learn More About Allen
Learn More About Allen
Laiken Gifford
Assistant Director
Laiken was born and raised in Canon City, Colorado. She went to West Texas A&M to pursue her degree in Advertising and Public Relations. She is happy to now be back in her home state in Colorado Springs.
Learn More About Laiken
Learn More About Laiken
Sienna Adams
Lead Speaker
Sienna has worked at EFL for several years and holds several certifications. She began her involvement with suicide prevention programs and groups in 2016, after surviving a suicide cluster at her high school.
Learn More About Sienna
Learn More About Sienna
Taylor Verville
EFL Speaker
Taylor is a Colorado native, originally from beautiful Northern Colorado. She attended University of Washington, earning her degree in American & Ethnic Studies, and Community Psychology.
Learn More About Taylor
Learn More About Taylor
Featured Article
How to Talk to Your Parents or Guardians About Mental Health
October 22, 2025
Recent Blog Posts
Parents
Students
Teachers
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
Healthy Relationships & Sex
Social Media
Parents
How to Talk to Your Parents or Guardians About Mental Health
October 22, 2025
Let’s be real—talking to parents or guardians about how you’re really feeling isn’t always easy. But if you’re struggling with your mental health, reaching out
A Tattoo, A Message, A Daily Reminder: Why “Be Kind” Means So Much to Me
October 14, 2025
It was a spontaneous college night. The kind that probably started with late-night food and ended in a tattoo shop. I was with a few
There’s Mental Science in Getting Crap Done!
April 4, 2025
Success, achieving goals, and getting better is not just about hard work; it’s about understanding the science and how we can trigger reward affects in
Students
What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed: A Step‑by‑Step (Mental Health) Action Plan
October 30, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed can sneak up on you — one minute you’re doing okay, and the next, everything feels too heavy. Whether it’s school, relationships, family,
How to Talk to Your Parents or Guardians About Mental Health
October 22, 2025
Let’s be real—talking to parents or guardians about how you’re really feeling isn’t always easy. But if you’re struggling with your mental health, reaching out
A Tattoo, A Message, A Daily Reminder: Why “Be Kind” Means So Much to Me
October 14, 2025
It was a spontaneous college night. The kind that probably started with late-night food and ended in a tattoo shop. I was with a few
Teachers
A Tattoo, A Message, A Daily Reminder: Why “Be Kind” Means So Much to Me
October 14, 2025
It was a spontaneous college night. The kind that probably started with late-night food and ended in a tattoo shop. I was with a few
A Tribute to Mr. Brookens
May 28, 2025
When I was in elementary school I was attending a weekend camp. You know in the winter when you get to go away and stay
How Schools Can Create a Culture of Mental Wellness
May 9, 2025
Mental health matters—especially in schools, where students spend most of their time navigating friendships, academics, and personal growth. Creating a culture of mental wellness doesn’t
Mental Health & Suicide Prevention
What to Do When You’re Overwhelmed: A Step‑by‑Step (Mental Health) Action Plan
October 30, 2025
Feeling overwhelmed can sneak up on you — one minute you’re doing okay, and the next, everything feels too heavy. Whether it’s school, relationships, family,
How to Talk to Your Parents or Guardians About Mental Health
October 22, 2025
Let’s be real—talking to parents or guardians about how you’re really feeling isn’t always easy. But if you’re struggling with your mental health, reaching out
The Power of Purpose: Why Knowing Your “Why” Changes Everything
June 11, 2025
Have you ever thought, “Why does this even matter?” I think all of us had that thought at some point. For me, it is when
Healthy Relationships & Sex
The Power of Purpose: Why Knowing Your “Why” Changes Everything
June 11, 2025
Have you ever thought, “Why does this even matter?” I think all of us had that thought at some point. For me, it is when
3 Short Colorado Springs Hikes I Keep Coming Back To
April 28, 2025
Sometimes you only need a few moments to get back to center. Earlier this month, I shared about the benefits of nature on our whole-person
Kitchen Wisdom: Lessons for Life Beyond Cooking
February 17, 2025
In the bustling kitchen of the restaurant where I began my culinary journey four years ago, my boss imparted invaluable advice that has resonated with
Social Media
The Power of Purpose: Why Knowing Your “Why” Changes Everything
June 11, 2025
Have you ever thought, “Why does this even matter?” I think all of us had that thought at some point. For me, it is when
Testimonials
What students, teachers, and parents have to say about Education for a Lifetime…
*Name has been changed for confidentiality
