i understand

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
2.

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

💗There was a lot to celebrate at our Su***de Attempt Survivor Support Group last night. Our lived experience facilitator...
09/02/2026

💗There was a lot to celebrate at our Su***de Attempt Survivor Support Group last night.

Our lived experience facilitator, Ryan, recently welcomed the arrival of another beautiful baby girl to his family.

🥰Listening to Ryan talk about his wife, his girls and the love he has for the life they are building together was beautiful.

During our conversation, Ryan talked about the pride he has in sharing his story and how proud he is of how far he has come. I really appreciated his choice of the word, pride.

So often when someone shares a difficult part of their story, we tell them how courageous they are for sharing it. But why should we have to feel courageous to talk about something we've lived through? Maybe pride is a better way to describe it.

Pride in making it through days we weren't sure we could, in doing the work to get to where we are today. Pride in the life we've continued to build and in being able to use our experiences to help someone else feel a little less alone.

Last night was about celebrating everything that is here today and the pride he has in the life he is living.

There is so much life still ahead, and we are so grateful for Ryan, and everyone who is still here, recognizing the world is a better place with them in it.

We hope you feel pride in your journey too!

👉If you are struggling and need support? Please text or call 988 - 24/7 for a trained counselor. You are worth the call.

***deattemptsurvivor



***de

👟We have a winner!Congratulations to Tim DeVowe winner of our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI Early Registra...
09/01/2026

👟We have a winner!

Congratulations to Tim DeVowe winner of our Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI Early Registration drawing!

☕️Tim will receive a BIGGBY® tumbler and gift card. We are happy to give this to you on race day!

💗Tim and his family have participated in the Be the ONE Run/Walk from the very beginning, walking each year in loving memory of his granddaughter, Victoria.

We are so grateful for families like Tim’s who continue to show up, walk together, remember those they love, and remind others that they are never alone.

🌈We look forward to seeing Tim and his beautiful family again at this year’s walk and perhaps another rainbow will join them along the way.

Congratulations, Tim, and thank you to everyone who registered early!

💗We’ll see you October 25 at Millennium Park for the Be the ONE Run/Walk!

Haven’t registered? Now’s the time:

👉Register here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=116510

Questions? [email protected]

***de
-betheoneforsomeone

💗Welcome September, it’s National Su***de Prevention Month, and we are ready to support you! 🌸September 1st | Su***de At...
09/01/2026

💗Welcome September, it’s National Su***de Prevention Month, and we are ready to support you!

🌸September 1st | Su***de Attempt Survivor Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
i understand
630 Kenmoor SE, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

👉Please register:
https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/su***de-attempt-survivor-support-group-registration-2

☕️September 10 | World Su***de Prevention Day with Biggby Coffee

We’re taking connection into everyday places with BIGGBY Coffee. Throughout the day, we’ll be visiting participating locations, sharing resources, creating conversations and introducing people to HOPE.

🧋Six BIGGBY locations—Biggby Henry Street, Biggby Apple Ave, Biggby South Harvey Streett, Biggby Holton Road, Biggby Grand Haven and Biggby Airline Road will donate $1 from every drink sold that day to i understand!

🥰We LOVE Biggby! More details are coming soon about where you can find us throughout the day!

💪September 14 | Men’s Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
Branches
2174 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Register:

👉https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/mens-support-group-registration-2

😔September 16 | After Loss Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
Branches
2174 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
👉Register:

☁️September 19 | Marshmallow Clouds Story Reading
10:00 AM Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Join us for a special family story time featuring Marshmallow Clouds. Every family attending will receive a copy of the book, a Cloud Kit and a bag of marshmallows to take home—simple tools to help families continue conversations about feelings, change, grief and love.

👉Register here:

https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/marshmallow-clouds-family-story-time-registration?event=1557&

👟October 25 | Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI at Millennium Park.

Join BIGGBY Coffee and i understand for the 6th annual Be the ONE Run/Walk a morning about much more than running or walking. It is about community, connection, coffee, and showing up for one another.

👉Register here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=116510

Join us.

Questions? [email protected]

***de




💗Thank you, Forest Hills Living Magazine for featuring i understand in your September issue. National Su***de Prevention...
08/30/2026

💗Thank you, Forest Hills Living Magazine for featuring i understand in your September issue.

National Su***de Prevention Month is right around the corner, a great time to continue bringing the conversation to everyday places.

💗We greatly appreciate our work being showcased, please take a few minutes to read more about our mission and our work in the community.

And… we would like to remind everyone… the world is a better place with you in it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcq13CtjlP2/?igsi=MXR6Zm50MWw2dTk3aw==

***de



👟Only two days left to register before the price goes up! The 6th Annual Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI is o...
08/30/2026

👟Only two days left to register before the price goes up!

The 6th Annual Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI is on October 25th at Millennium Park!

Registration fee increases on September 1st!

Be the ONE for someone and invite them to join you! Be the ONE for YOU, and join in to do good for your mental and physical health or walk in honor of someone you love!

Register before September 1st and be entered to win a Biggby tumbler and gift card!

💗Thanks Dan for being #1 to inspire all of us to get uo, get out, and walk for the health of it!

👉Register here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=116510

Questions? [email protected]

***de



💗Wow… a busy month of support ahead! September is National Su***de Prevention Month. i understand, prevention means more...
08/29/2026

💗Wow… a busy month of support ahead!

September is National Su***de Prevention Month.

i understand, prevention means more than awareness. It means being out in everyday places connecting with people, creating conversations, providing resources and bringing people together.

💗There is a lot ahead, and we hope you’ll join us.

🌸September 1 | Su***de Attempt Survivor Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
i understand
630 Kenmoor SE, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

👉Please register:
https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/su***de-attempt-survivor-support-group-registration-2

☕️September 10 | World Su***de Prevention Day with Biggby Coffee

We’re taking connection into everyday places with BIGGBY Coffee. Throughout the day, we’ll be visiting participating locations, sharing resources, creating conversations and introducing people to HOPE.

🧋Six BIGGBY locations—Biggby Henry Street, Biggby Apple Ave, Biggby South Harvey Store, Biggby Holton Road, Biggby Grand Haven and Biggby Airline Road will donate $1 from every drink sold that day to i understand!

🥰We LOVE Biggby! More details are coming soon about where you can find us throughout the day!

💪September 14 | Men’s Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
Branches
2174 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Register:

👉https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/mens-support-group-registration-2

😔September 16 | After Loss Support Group
6:30–8:00 PM
Branches
2174 East Paris Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
👉Register:

☁️September 19 | Marshmallow Clouds Story Time
10:00 AM
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Join us for a special family story time featuring Marshmallow Clouds. Every family attending will receive a copy of the book, a Cloud Kit and a bag of marshmallows to take home—simple tools to help families continue conversations about feelings, change, grief and love.

👉Register here:

https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/marshmallow-clouds-family-story-time-registration?event=1557&

👟October 25 | Be the ONE Run/Walk with Biggby of West MI at Millennium Park.

Join BIGGBY Coffee and i understand for the 6th annual Be the ONE Run/Walk a morning about much more than running or walking. It is about community, connection, coffee, and showing up for one another.

‼️Registration prices increase September 1. Anyone who registers before September 1 will also be entered to win a BIGGBY tumbler and gift card.

👉Register here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Register?raceId=116510

💗Support doesn’t always begin in a therapist’s office or during a crisis. Sometimes it begins over a cup of coffee, around a table, during a walk, while reading a book with a child, or simply sitting beside someone who understands.

Join us. Let’s assure everyone… the world is a better place with you in it.

Questions? [email protected]

***de




💗This morning we talked Marshmallow Clouds Story Reading on 13 On Your Side with Emily Scarlett WZZM 13. ☁️The story beh...
08/28/2026

💗This morning we talked Marshmallow Clouds Story Reading on 13 On Your Side with Emily Scarlett WZZM 13.

☁️The story behind the story.

The story of Chase climbing a ladder to the clouds, came to me in a dream over 35 years ago. Self published the book shortly before Rob’s death over 23 years ago.

It was rewritten to add an element of loss to help adults and children begin to talk about feelings and emotions.

📘Join us on September 19th at 10am at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum for a story reading. Each family will receive a book, a cloud kit to teach stress relief for children, and a bag of marshmallows.

👉Register here for this free event:

https://iunderstandloveheals.app.neoncrm.com/forms/marshmallow-clouds-family-story-time-registration?event=1557&

👉Watch the segment here:
https://www.wzzm13.com/embeds/video/responsive/69-92eca62c-596a-4a1a-a853-b48610159cb5/iframe

💝Thank you to 13 on Your Side for inviting me on!

Address

630 Kenmoor Avenue SE Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Telephone

+16167470667

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