Lady Gaga is channelling her anger over the recent mass shootings in El Paso, Dayton and Gilroy into positive change.
The star's Born This Way Foundation has partnered with DonorsChoose.org to help fund more than 160 classroom projects in the affected areas - something, she says, will inspire hope in the wake of tragedy. According to Reuters, the funding will go towards resources like much-needed books for third-grade students, special 'bouncing' chairs for disabled students, to help keep them calm, and science kits for fifth-graders.
Sharing a moving post on her Facebook page, the singer wrote: “My heart goes out to those who were taken from us too soon and to their families, loved ones, and communities who are left to grieve.
"Everyone has the right to laws that make them feel safe in their communities," she added.
"In this moment, I want to channel my confusion, frustration, and fury into hope. Hope that we are there for each other and for ourselves."
She continued: "14 classrooms in Dayton, 125 classrooms in El Paso, and 23 classrooms in Gilroy will now have access to the support they need to inspire their students to work together and bring their dreams to life."
Gaga also encouraged her fans to “check in” on their loved ones.
“Surviving and recovering from these tragedies also means prioritising your mental health and checking in on your loved ones. If you’re struggling, please be brave and tell a trusted someone.
“Don’t be scared to ask for help, I beg you. If you see a loved one struggling, please be brave and reach out, remind them it’s ok to not be ok, and listen to them. We cannot turn away from ourselves. We cannot turn away from our loved ones. We need each other. Don’t turn away.”
“In loving memory of the victims of the tragic shootings in Dayton, OH, El Paso, TX, and Gilroy, CA.”
Gaga's Born This Way Foundation has previously focused on expanding mental health resources for teenagers, working with the National Council for Behavioral Health to provide teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) to an additional 20 high schools across the United States.
