The Jonathan Foundation

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The Jonathan Foundation

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The Jonathan C. Smith Foundation DBA The Jonathan Foundation The Jonathan Foundation was started in 2011 after the loss of my youngest son, Jonathan.

Jonathan grew up in church and accepted Christ when he was 9 years old. He attended the local Christian School and grew up playing sports-baseball, then soccer, then basketball, then football. He traded one favorite for the next. Having above average coordination and agility, he was good at all of them. Having above average intelligence, he could quote the stats for any of the professional or college teams. Jonathan had a great sense of humor, loved to laugh, and could lighten up any situation. He had a beautiful smile, a warm heart, and easy going disposition most of the time. In 9th grade, Jonathan began experiencing increased maladaptive patterns with withdrawal from interest in school and sports, became subject to wide mood swings with manic episodes characterized by poor impulse control and judgment. Jonathan had experienced attention deficit hyperactivity disorder since second grade. Upon SPECT brain scanning (Amen clinics), it was determined that Jonathan had an overall hyperactive or 'ring of fire' brain with six subtypes of attention deficit disorder. Upon further evaluation, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and entered treatment with the Amen clinics. On May 25, 2011, in the ultimate manic episode, Jonathan, 17, became part of the growing statistic of youth suicide. Youth suicide is a growing epidemic in the US, currently the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24. Youth suicide is preventable. It requires understanding the salient features that may indicate that a mental disorder is manifesting. It requires education and frank discussions with teens, as well as, counseling on effective coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors. It requires engagement and connection of parents, students, and education in prevention efforts. I hold onto my eternal hope that I will see my son again. Until that time-- I will do all I can, our Foundation will do all we can, to reach out to hurting teens and stop youth suicide. You can join this work. Get involved and make a difference in the life of a teen. Thank you for your support of The Jonathan Foundation.

11/09/2026

💙 Happy Heavenly Birthday, Robert Duffee.

Today, we pause to remember and honor Robert, a vibrant young man whose life continues to have meaning and whose memory is helping inspire important conversations about youth mental health and su***de prevention.

After losing Robert to su***de, his mother, Gracelyn Elmendorf, chose to honor his memory through a mission of helping protect other young people.

Through The Robert Duffee Project, she is advocating for mental health risk assessments in schools, helping educators better recognize when students may be struggling and connect them with the support they need.

Because behind every conversation about su***de prevention is a person. A family. A life that matters.

Robert’s story is a reminder of why we must continue advocating for mental health education, early intervention, and meaningful support for our youth.

Today, we remember Robert, celebrate his life, and hold his family close in our hearts. 💙

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Robert. Your life will always matter.

We invite you to learn more about The Robert Duffee Project and the mission behind it by visiting the link below.

🔗 https://thejonathanfoundation4teens.org/therobertduffeeproject/

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11/05/2026

💙 A heartfelt thank you to two incredible supporters of The Jonathan Foundation!

We are grateful to recognize Lorcan Lucey, one of our corporate partners, and Mary Lucey, one of our generous donors, for their support of the 15th Annual Run for Brighter Days!

Their generosity and commitment to our mission help us continue raising awareness about su***de prevention, encouraging conversations about mental health, and connecting our community through education, advocacy, and support.

While the Run may be over, the work of The Jonathan Foundation continues throughout the year. Every partnership, donation, and act of generosity helps us keep this important mission moving forward.

Lorcan and Mary, thank you for believing in what we do and for being part of a community committed to brighter days. We are truly grateful for your support!

💙 Join us in thanking the Luceys for helping make a difference!

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11/02/2026

The Run was one day. The reason we came together matters every day. 💙

On September 12, our community showed up for the 15th Annual Run for Brighter Days, making it our biggest Run yet.

And while we’re incredibly grateful for everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported this year’s event, we want to remind you that The Jonathan Foundation is so much more than an annual Run.

Our mission continues throughout the year through mental health education, su***de prevention awareness, advocacy, and support for individuals and families in our community.

Because behind every statistic is a person. A family. A friend. Someone who matters.

As we move into November and the holiday season, we’ll be sharing more about what our foundation does, our Be That Friend campaign, how to recognize when someone may be struggling, and ways we can support one another through seasons that aren’t always easy.

For some, the holidays are filled with excitement and celebration. For others, they can bring grief, loneliness, or emotional struggles that aren’t always visible.

We want to be a community that notices. That listens. That cares enough to reach out.

Because brighter days begin when we show up for one another.

💙 Help us continue spreading this message by sharing this post. You never know who might need the reminder that they aren’t alone.

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10/29/2026

💙 What if your generosity could help someone find hope when they need it most?

GivingTuesday is almost here, and we’re inviting our community to come together for something bigger than ourselves.

Every day, people in our communities face mental health challenges, grief, and struggles that aren’t always visible to those around them.

At The Jonathan Foundation, our mission is to help create a community where mental health conversations are encouraged, support is accessible, and no one feels they have to face their darkest moments alone.

This GivingTuesday, December 1, you can be part of that mission.

Your generosity helps us continue advocating for su***de prevention, raising awareness, and connecting our community with education and support.

💙 Give if you’re able.

💙 Share our mission with someone new.

💙 Encourage a friend or local business to get involved.

💙 Help us remind others that their lives matter.

You don’t have to make a large donation to make a meaningful difference. Every act of generosity helps move our mission forward.

Mark your calendars for December 1, and help us work toward brighter days. 💙

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10/28/2026

You never know what someone is carrying. 💙

The person standing next to you at the grocery store. The coworker who always makes everyone laugh. The friend who says they’re doing fine. The family member who seems to have it all together.

We don’t always see the battles people are facing.

And that’s why the little things matter.

A phone call. An invitation. A conversation that goes beyond “How are you?” A willingness to listen when someone finally opens up.

At The Jonathan Foundation, we believe su***de prevention begins long before someone reaches a point of crisis. It begins with education, connection, compassion, and a community willing to show up for one another.

You don’t have to have all the answers to make someone feel less alone.

As we move into a new month, we want to encourage you to reach out to someone you’ve been thinking about.

Sometimes the simplest act of kindness can mean more than we realize. 💙

Tag someone you’re grateful to have in your corner.

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10/28/2026

Suicidal thoughts aren’t a weakness or a character flaw.
They’re a serious sign that someone is struggling, and the brain may be struggling, too.

After looking at 300,000+ brain SPECT scans, Amen Clinics has seen abnormal patterns of blood flow and activity in many people experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including in areas involved in judgment, impulse control, mood, and emotional regulation.

Brain SPECT imaging does not diagnose suicidality, but it can provide additional information about how the brain is functioning and help uncover factors that may be contributing to someone’s symptoms.

Most importantly, there is hope. The brain can change, people can get better, and asking for help can be the first step toward healing.

Su***de prevention doesn’t end when September does. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

To learn more about your brain visit: https://www.amenclinics.com/schedule-visit/

10/27/2026

Behind every statistic is a person. Behind every person is a story. 💙

Did you know that access to mental health care remains a serious challenge for communities across South Carolina?

These numbers represent more than statistics. They represent our neighbors, our coworkers, our children, our friends, and families who may be struggling to find the support they need.

And for far too many families, they represent someone deeply loved and missed.

At The Jonathan Foundation, we believe that awareness is important, but awareness must lead to action.

That means having conversations about mental health, recognizing when someone may be struggling, advocating for accessible care, and reminding people that asking for help is a sign of strength.

You don’t have to be a mental health professional to make a difference.

💙 Check on someone you haven’t heard from lately.
💙 Listen without judgment.
💙 Learn the warning signs.
💙 Help connect someone to support when they need it.

Su***de prevention is not just a September conversation. It’s a year-round commitment.

If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.

Help us continue the conversation. Share this post, and help us remind our community that no one has to face their struggles alone.

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10/27/2026

The race is over. The reason we run isn’t. 💜

The finish line has been crossed. The medals have been handed out. The crowds have gone home.

But the reason we gathered that morning is still here.

Someone in our community is struggling silently.

Someone is grieving a life lost too soon.

Someone is wondering if anyone would notice they’re hurting.

And someone may be one conversation away from finding the support they’ve been needing.

That’s why The Jonathan Foundation exists.

Not just for one race. Not just during Su***de Prevention Month.

But for the conversations, the connections, and the lives that matter every single day.

So keep checking on your people. Keep asking the hard questions. Keep listening without judgment.

And keep reminding others that help is available and hope is possible.

Because our work doesn’t stop at the finish line.

💜 Be That Friend.

If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

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10/21/2026

A stronger community starts with people who care. 💜

Our 15th Annual Run for Brighter Days was our biggest yet, and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our incredible Corporate Partners!

Today, we’re recognizing the organizations and families who stepped forward to support The Jonathan Foundation and our mission of su***de prevention, mental health awareness, and community connection.

💜 MUSC Health
💜 Lucey Law Firm
💜 Lucey Mortgage Corporation
💜 Circle Park
💜 Synergi
💜 Smith Family
💜 Brighter Futures Mentor Grant
💜 Betty S. Campbell Foundation

Your partnership helped make this year’s event possible and reminds us what can happen when a community comes together for a cause greater than itself.

Thank you for investing in brighter days and helping us remind others that they are never alone. 💜

Help us thank these wonderful partners in the comments! 👏

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10/20/2026

Different ages. Different backgrounds. One reason to show up. 💜

This is what community looks like.

Every person who crossed that starting line at our 15th Annual Run for Brighter Days helped bring attention to a mission that matters: mental health awareness, su***de prevention, and reminding others that they are not alone.

Whether you ran for someone you love, in memory of someone you’ve lost, or simply because you believe in brighter days, we’re grateful you showed up.

Because every step matters. Every story matters. Every life matters. 💜

Were you part of this year’s Run? We’d love to hear what brought you to the starting line! 👇

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Address

3195 Middlecoff Lane
Florence, SC
29506

Website

http://www.thejonathanfoundation4teens.org/

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