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i understand i understand is a non-profit organization that offers compassionate comfort, hope and understanding i understand su***de is an effect of an illness
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i understand is non-profit organization, social media group and apparel campaign to support those who have lost a loved one by su***de or struggle with mental illness. By supporting i understand, you help to erase the stigma and judgement associated with mental illness and su***de. Based in Ada, Michigan, i understand provides compassionate comfort to individuals and communities by hosting monthly educational awareness events. Through a partnership with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, i understand delivers mental health care packages to patients in West Michigan and families around the world. i understand was created by Vonnie Woodrick in 2014 in loving memory of her husband Rob who lost his battle with depression in 2003. i understand does not provide counseling or clinical mental health services. Help keep our hearts whole after the sudden loss of someone who died by su***de. i understand is a campaign to let others know they are not alone after such a loss. Our hearts are immediately broken and added to the pain are the questions, the stigma, the guilt, the confusion and the tears. The survivors of su***de must live with all those emotions and the misconceptions. Simply, by joining us and wearing an i understand t-shirt, you are giving all of us who have lost a loved one to su***de, have attempted su***de or suffer from a mental illness, a relief that there are friends among us who truly understand. Here are some things to remember that can help eliminate the stigma surrounding su***de:

1. i understand mental illnesses are treatable
3. i understand stigma is the #1 reason why someone would not seek treatment for mental illness; education and awareness are vital to saving and changing lives
4. i understand reaching out to those who are suffering could save a life; let someone know you are available and treat them with respect and compassion
5. i understand most people who are suicidal do not want to die; they want their pain to end
6. i understand speaking out about su***de may empower others to share their stories
7. i understand feelings of guilt are part of the grieving process on the way to finding peace and acceptance
8. i understand those who die by su***de do make it to heaven

🧡Wear orange on National Stop Bullying Day/Unity day - Wednesday, October 21st. Unity Day | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 ...
10/20/2026

🧡Wear orange on National Stop Bullying Day/Unity day - Wednesday, October 21st.

Unity Day | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 🧡

💗We believe kindness matters, and no one should ever have to feel left out, bullied, or alone.

Tomorrow, let’s wear ORANGE to show support for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

It may seem like a small gesture, but we believe the little things we do and say can make a BIG difference in someone’s life.

🧡Wear orange. Stand up against bullying.

😊Be the reason someone smiles today.


🏃‍♀️It's a busy week ahead at i understand, and our hearts are full! Here’s a look at what's happening this week!💗Michig...
10/18/2026

🏃‍♀️It's a busy week ahead at i understand, and our hearts are full!

Here’s a look at what's happening this week!

💗Michigan Sheriffs’ Association Victim Advocates presentation.

Did you know that i understand provides resource folders to victim advocates who support individuals and families following a loss to su***de?

These incredible advocates are often there during some of life's most devastating moments. We're grateful for the opportunity to share our resources and remind them that they, too, have a community of support.

💗 Volunteer Night - 5pm - 7pm

It's all hands on deck as we prepare for Sunday's Be the ONE Run/Walk! We have lots of swag bags to pack, T-shirts to fold, and final touches to make. We LOVE our volunteers and couldn't do what we do without them!

👉Register for Be the ONE Run/Walk here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/BtheOneWalkRun

💗 Wednesday – After Loss Support Group

6:30–8:00 PM
Branches, 2172 East Paris, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Life after a devastating loss can feel overwhelming. You don't have to navigate it alone. Whether your loss is recent or happened years ago, we invite you to join us in a space of compassion, understanding, and connection.

👉Register here: https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/su***de-attempt-survivor-support-group-registration-1577

💗 Thursday – Hope for Single Moms

Our founder, Vonnie Woodrick, will be joining a panel to share some of her experiences and reflections on raising children as a single, widowed mom.

💗 Sunday, October 25 – Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI.

The week ends with one of our favorite days of the year! A community coming together to walk, run, remember, celebrate, and support one another.

And YES, there's still time to register! We'd LOVE to have you join us at Millennium Park!

It's a full week, but when your work is providedin love, compassion, and understanding, every moment has meaning.

Be the ONE for SomeONE. Sometimes that someone is YOU. 💗

Questions - iunderstandloveheals.org

💗Grief Groceries and Grief Kits provide comfort, nutrition, and resources for those navigating a devastating loss of a l...
10/17/2026

💗Grief Groceries and Grief Kits provide comfort, nutrition, and resources for those navigating a devastating loss of a loved one.

It breaks our hearts learning of these losses. However, providing these resources to families that are in need of support and understanding during their life after loss is comforting to us.

💝We are extremely grateful to our community partners who help fund this project, Meijer, The Cook Foundation, Biggby of West MI, and in-kind services from Wolverine World Wide.

🥰There is also a very meaningful appreciation for those who reach out to support a family by delivering these items to families.

💗i understand is here to support, please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family has been impacted by a su***de loss. We want everyone to know, they are not alone. Love and support is crucial to healing.

Questions - [email protected]

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✍️Let’s change the way we talk and view su***de by changing the definition. It’s National Dictionary Day, a reminder tha...
10/16/2026

✍️Let’s change the way we talk and view su***de by changing the definition.

It’s National Dictionary Day, a reminder that definitions become old and outdated.

Did you know the word su***de dates back to nearly 400 years!

💗Think about how much we’ve learned about mental health, depression, emotional pain, and the many struggles people have faced since then.

👉The intentional taking of one’s own life.

OR

👉An effect of a mental/brain health illness or pain.

Let’s talk more about the illness or pain someone is living with rather than the act.

💗When we change our words and views to an updated understanding, we reduce judgement, and create more compassion for those who are struggling, and families who gave experienced the devastating loss of their loved one.

👉Sign our petition - it’s free!
iunderstandloveheals.org

💗The more we know, the more love and support we can give others.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary

💗🏒HOPE and Griff together, again! We are super excited that Grand Rapids Griffins, Griff will be at the Be the ONE Run/W...
10/15/2026

💗🏒HOPE and Griff together, again!

We are super excited that Grand Rapids Griffins, Griff will be at the Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI on October 25th!

Griff is bringing some Griffin Hockey tickets and has a special offer! Purchase a long sleeve t-shirt for $20 and get a ticket to the Sensory and Support game on Sunday, January 31st, valued at $24!!

This is a great deal!! Griff will be at Millennium Park with HOPE from 9am - 10am.

Shirts and tickets will be available until noon!

Haven’t registered?? Now’s a good time:

👉 https://runsignup.com/Race/Sponsors/MI/GrandRapids/BtheOneWalkRun

Questions - [email protected]



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💗We can’t do what do without YOU!! Grateful for our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI sponsors! Your generosity...
10/14/2026

💗We can’t do what do without YOU!!

Grateful for our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI sponsors!

Your generosity goes far beyond supporting an event. It allows us to be there for individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

One of the things I am most grateful for is the opportunity to support families who have lost someone they love.

The devastation of losing a loved one, especially to su***de, is heartbreaking. The grief can be overwhelming, the questions often go unanswered, and the guilt can be incredibly difficult to carry.

While we cannot take away their pain, we can remind them they are not alone, and through the generosity of our sponsors and community partners, we can offer hope, understanding, and support at no charge.

From the bottom of our pink hearts, thank you for believing in our mission and helping us continue this important work.

If you would like to join us at the Run/Walk - register here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Sponsors/MI/GrandRapids/BtheOneWalkRun

Questions? [email protected]

Meijer Biggby Coffee Forest View Hospital Life EMS Ambulance Southridge Fountain Hill Center For Counseling and Consultation iHeartMedia West Michigan Ice Mountain Natural Spring Water Via Design Miller Johnson

💗Men… we see your strength!! Last night, during our i understand Men’s Support Group one gentleman shared: “I love this ...
10/13/2026

💗Men… we see your strength!!

Last night, during our i understand Men’s Support Group one gentleman shared: “I love this group. Can we meet twice a month?"

There has been laughter, there have been tears, and there has been an understanding that comes from sitting alongside others who are willing to listen, share their experiences, and simply be there for one another.

💪We often talk about men being strong, but sometimes we forget that men experience grief, heartbreak, loneliness, anxiety, and the same emotions we all do.

They lose people they love, experience difficult relationships, worry about their families, and carry burdens that others may never see. Yet many have grown up believing they should keep those feelings to themselves.

💔According to the CDC, nearly 80% of su***de deaths in the United States are among men.

That is a heartbreaking statistic and an important reminder that we need to continue changing the way we talk about men's mental health.

Being strong doesn't mean you don't cry. It doesn't mean you don't grieve, and it certainly doesn't mean you have to face life's challenges alone.

At i understand, we believe that when we create spaces where people feel safe enough to share their stories, we create opportunities for understanding, connection, and hope.

A special thanks to Jeremy, Terry and Rick for reminding us that support groups are about so much more than talking about difficult things.
They're about friendships, laughter, shared experiences, and knowing there are people who genuinely care.

💗We greatly appreciate Forest View Hospital and Mosaic Counseling for the continued partnership in helping make these groups possible.

Men’s group meets the second Monday of each month, check out our fb event page for details.

🥇Our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI medals are in, and a special 1/2 off code is offered!! Our model employe...
10/13/2026

🥇Our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI medals are in, and a special 1/2 off code is offered!!

Our model employee wears it well, and wants to remind you to ‘be the ONE’ for someone!

TODAY only… if you have already registered for the run, we want to invite you to use code BetheONE to ask a friend, family member or coworker to join you on October 25th at Millennium Park for this fun and meaningful run/walk.

🧋Register here with code: BetheONE

https://runsignup.com/Race/Sponsors/MI/GrandRapids/BtheOneWalkRun

👟If you would like to join us, and this is not in your budget, please email [email protected]

👟We are loving our swag for the Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI!!💗Check out this insulated lunch tote with si...
10/12/2026

👟We are loving our swag for the Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI!!

💗Check out this insulated lunch tote with side pocket for beverage or phone!

🧋It wouldn’t be a Biggby Coffee run/walk with a beverage cup and FREE beverage coupon!!

👚You’ve seen the shirt! Now, the swag. Next up the medal!🏅 Stay tuned.

👉Don’t forget to register!! We are less than 2 weeks away - October 25th - Millennium Park!

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/GrandRapids/BtheOneWalkRun

Questions? [email protected]




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🌎In honor of World Mental Health Day, Take 5 for you! Stop by TODAY - 11am - 1pm for a self-care pak, a 5 minute touch p...
10/12/2026

🌎In honor of World Mental Health Day, Take 5 for you!

Stop by TODAY - 11am - 1pm for a self-care pak, a 5 minute touch point massage, and shop our shop!!

iChiro Clinics - thank you for joining us to help us feel a bit more relaxed and reminding us that self-care is self love and great for our mental wellness!





Address

630 Kenmoor Avenue SE Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

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