Bonita Mitchell and Iris Watts, ISM. 

Our speakers were Bonita Mitchell, Executive Director of “I’m Saving Myself (ISM)” and Iris Watts, BH Supervisor of ISM.

Bonita Mitchell grew up in Eau Claire. She spent several years in California performing with Stevie Wonder. It was there that she became involved with “Thread of Hope Records (THR)”. THR is a non-profit organization that “transforms lives through inspirational experiences in the arts and music. Its mission is to build self-esteem, confidence, and hope.”

When Bonita returned to Eau Claire, she started a program in 2001 called, “I’m Saving Myself (ISM),” after an Eau Claire student committed suicide. ISM is a program for Berrien County under the parent program, THR. ISM’s main office is located in the Benton Harbor Salvation Army Building.

Iris Watts, BH Supervisor, told us that they use “Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in schools to teach self-awareness and self-management to learn how to manage their feelings”. They run ISM programs at MLK Academy and Fairplain East. They are also at Benton Harbor High School. And they have an after-school program at Covert. Iris said, “Music is our hook. They don’t realize that they are also getting a message. We use music and the arts to address mental health. We try to prevent suicide, sexual activity, bullying, low self-esteem, and substance abuse.” ISM also works with parents to help them develop their self-confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to be better parents and provide a better environment for their children.

ISM has several ongoing programs, including assemblies, a recording studio, a dance studio, and a talk show room. They also offer online programs and a mobile app.

For more information, you can contact Bonita Mitchell at 269-845-2392 or [email protected] or

Iris Watts at 269-277-4612 or [email protected]