From Grief to Hope: The Farber Family’s Mission in Suicide Prevention

David Farber was known for his magnetic personality and infectious charm. But beneath the surface, he battled mental illness, addiction, and depression. In 2012, at age 55, David took his own life, a loss that devastated his family and left behind unanswered questions. For years, his story was not widely shared. Then, in 2022, the Farber family chose to honor David’s legacy by creating a space that could help others find healing: the David Farber ASPIRE Center at Jefferson.

Located in Center City, Philadelphia, the ASPIRE Center (Advancement of Suicide Prevention, Intervention, Research, and Education) is led by Dr. Matthew Wintersteen and serves as a comprehensive hub for suicide prevention. It brings together Jefferson’s clinical care, research, and education programs in a coordinated effort to address one of the leading causes of death in the U.S., particularly among adolescents and middle-aged men.

The Center’s integrated, family-based model recognizes the ripple effects of suicide on loved ones. “We are working with families to provide a safe and supportive context,” Dr. Wintersteen says, “which allows us to have far more sustainable impact once treatment ends.”

The gift was the final major philanthropic act of Jack Farber’s life. Inspired by an article he read about suicide prevention efforts at Jefferson, and knowing his time was limited due to illness, Jack worked with his family to ensure the Center opened in his lifetime. It did, on October 25, 2022, the 10th anniversary of David’s passing. Jack passed away just two months later.

“The goal is to let people know that they’re not alone, and that they don’t have to make these permanent decisions that affect loved ones… that they can go somewhere and get the help that they need,” says David’s son, Bill Farber. “I would’ve done anything to have that for my dad. I think he would still be here if he had somewhere to go and somebody to speak to.”