In response to the suicide of their 15-year-old son, Owen, in April 2023, Jordan and Lisa Tabor established the Rain Will Bring Flowers foundation. Just weeks after their loss, they began the process to create a scholarship for students pursuing behavioral health studies, aiming to ensure Owen's life and death would inspire positive change.
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Since its inception, the foundation has organized events, training programs, and provided financial support to youths interested in behavioral health. Jordan Tabor received The Angel Award from the Louisiana Blue Foundation for his leadership within Rain Will Bring Flowers. Tabor expressed his gratitude, stating, “With everything we do, I feel like Owen and God are guiding our hands,” acknowledging the growth and partnerships the foundation has achieved.
The gravity of youth mental health issues became apparent to Tabor during Owen’s funeral, as many shared their own struggles with suicide and mental health. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 in the state.
Tabor noted that young people today face intense pressure from various sources, including parents, teachers, and social media, where they often see only the successes of others. He emphasized the importance of mental health awareness, stating that students, especially those involved in sports, often mask their challenges. "They need to take care of their brain as much as their physical health," Tabor said.
A key initiative, Planting Seeds of Hope, in collaboration with LSU Athletics and other partners, aims to normalize discussions around mental health and suicide prevention. The event in February 2026 drew over 3,100 attendees and featured athletes discussing emotional well-being. The foundation's efforts also include the Prevention In Every Parish initiative, which offers suicide prevention training across all 64 parishes in Louisiana, reaching over 100,000 individuals in 25 parishes.
Additionally, the foundation launched a four-year scholarship for high school seniors studying behavioral health, timed with what would have been Owen’s graduation in May 2025. Tabor is committed to enhancing mental health technology in schools as well.
For Tabor, the foundation serves as a means to honor Owen's memory and manage his grief. He underscores the importance of communication, urging parents to listen actively to their children. Tabor points families to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support, emphasizing that it’s available even if there isn’t a crisis.
With ongoing support, including a recent $30,000 grant from the Louisiana Blue Foundation, Rain Will Bring Flowers continues to expand its outreach and fundraisers. Tabor concluded, "The most important part about The Angel Award is that I feel like it goes to the entire organization. This will help with our momentum and visibility." For more information, visit rainwillbringflowers.org or find them on social media.