`Ben Speaks’ Founder Shares Her Journey and Previews Wednesday Program

For Judy Giovangelo, founder of Ben Speaks (www.benspeaks.org), a 501(c)(3) public charity, this week marks the 16th anniversary of the devastating loss of her son, Ben. And from that calamity has come a series of programs and initiatives that Giovangelo has developed to try to spare others from a similar loss.

“It has been rough but we have done work in the world where we really wanted to be focused on empowering youth,” she noted. Since Covid, Ben Speaks has also aimed to help parents grieving from the loss of a child. “With a grant from the Parmenter Foundation of Metrowest we have fully funded an 8-week program, which has been offered five times in the past few years,” she said.

This week, Ben Speaks is offering a free special event on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the VFW, 123 Holliston Street, Medway, MA, to learn about an exciting new program launching in schools—The Power of Choice and Ben’s Challenge (eight wellness challenges for high school students).

The program aims to empower young people to recognize the `Power of Choice’ within themselves. Through the eight wellness challenges, students will develop self-awareness, resilience, and self-esteem while fostering a positive team culture in their schools.

For these programs, Giovangelo is partnered with Jason Shea, Wellness Coordinator for first responders and municipal police departments in Massachusetts.

Giovanelo said, that ‘everyone knows a Ben today,' namely an at-risk youth, because more young people than ever are falling through the cracks due to bullying, self-harm, and addiction.

The Power of Choice and Ben’s Challenge is designed to promote health and wellness, empowering students and preventing tragedies, according to the organization.

Those interested in the Wednesday program can register here: https://pages.benspeaks.us/april-16