The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan - be nice.

10/26/2026

Save the Date: Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Milwaukee Admirals 📣

🗓 Friday, November 6,
🕰 7pm
📍 Van Andel Arena
🇺🇸 Dress in patriotic colors to celebrate our veterans
🤝 Every ticket purchased through this offer benefits be nice., supporting mental health education and action in schools, workplaces, and communities across the state

Here are the details:

Ticket Deals: *Subject to availability
- Individual Tickets are $17.50 each
- Special pricing for groups of 10 or more - $15 each!*
- Exclusive be nice. client Rate (30+ tickets): $10 each**
- Purchase a Family Pack for the 11/6 Game with Four Tickets and Four Limited Edition Shirts - $100 for the Package

🎟 Purchase tickets here: https://www.benice.org/griffins-tickets

💭 Questions? Contact Rachael at [email protected] to to secure your discounted seats before they sell out!

Can't make it to the November 6 game? Join us at one of our other give-back games!
🏒 Saturday, January 9, 7 p.m. - Block Builders Night vs. the Iowa Wild
🏒 Saturday, February 27, 7 p.m. - Wizard Night vs. the Texas Stars
🏒 Saturday, March 20, 7 p.m. - Star Wars Night vs. the Milwaukee Admirals

Remember: every ticket helps us continue our mission to educate people to notice, invite, challenge and empower one another around mental health. Your support allows be nice. to reach more schools, workplaces, and families across our community.



10/24/2026

October may be Depression Awareness Month, but for many, depression is a part of their life, no matter the month. That is why we wanted to pass along these reminders when it comes to how individuals may experience depression. 🥀

The symptoms of depression vary in how they present. Despite in how this may manifest in someone's behavior, it can be all consuming and exhausting, making every day tasks feel difficult to focus on.

With that said, if you have the capacity to do so, offer acts of service to the person you may be supporting while they focus on managing their mental health symptoms. Ask them directly what they may need. This could look like running an errand on their behalf, sharing a meal with them you made, helping them complete a load of laundry, and so on. It gives them permission to better focus on what they need to feel better.

Above all else, it is important to take notice of those around you. When you know the good and right of their typical behaviors, you can better detect when something has changed. That is where you can invite someone into a conversation to check-in, potentially learning about what could be weighing on their mind and heart. From there, you can lovingly challenge them to connect with or establish access to resources. Lastly, empower them to engage in their protective factors (i.e., activities that can help offset stress and promote mindfulness and interconnectedness).

🌹 Showing someone you care can change the course of one's life.
🌹 Speaking about struggles helps reduce stigma.
🌹 Asking for help is not weak.
🌹 A struggle does not have to be visible to be valid.
🌹 Mental health challenges do not define someone's abilities.
🌹 Hard times do not last forever.
🌹 You are more loved than you realize.
🌹 Keep going, keep growing.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.
Call or text 988 for immediate support.

10/24/2026

Small change. 💰
Big difference. 🌱

Are you a Consumers Credit Union member? You can now support be nice. just by rounding up your debit card purchases! Enroll in Round Up for Impact within the Online Banking and choose us, be nice., as your charity. 💙

👉 Learn more: https://www.consumerscu.org/round-up

10/23/2026

😍 NEW MERCH ALERT! 😍

Whether you want to channel your inner Sporty Spice or enjoy a comfy athleisure layering piece, wear this be nice. jersey to help spread connection, positivity, and empowerment wherever you go!

Designed for everyday wear, team events, and school activities, the full-button jersey combines a classic athletic look with moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and stain-release properties. Multiple color options available! FYI: runs large, so depending on your ideal fit, size down.

🛍 Shop here: https://learn.benice.org/47wXmtS

10/22/2026

Its National Book Month! 📖

For our bookworms out there... How many of you are curious about the lore of be nice.? How our action plan came into play? Or, perhaps, you are interested in growing in your understanding of mental health? We have the next book to add to your "to be read" pile. 📚

The be nice. book offers authentic, real-life examples and practical applications that empower you to improve lives and help prevent su***de in your community.

Fun fact: it is printed right here in Grand Rapids, MI! 🤓

Purchase the book here: https://bit.ly/4yslysd

10/22/2026

Coaches across Michigan are building strong, resilient young people by prioritizing the mental health and emotional well-being of their student-athletes. Samaritas and be nice —with support from the Michigan High School Athletic Association— are honoring these coaches through the “Coaches Who Care Mental Health Hall of Fame.”

🏅If you know someone who meets this criteria, nominate them at the link below:
https://samaritas.org/coaches-who-care/

10/21/2026

October is one of the most active months of the year for public advocacy, health education, and heritage celebrations. Several of these awareness initiatives tie back to mental health, resulting in us choosing a handful to bring attention to.

As for those who are impacted by these different conditions and lived experiences, we want to remind you that you are not alone. We see you. 🫂

By highlighting these awareness topics, we invite those who are not as familiar to challenge themselves to become better informed. Perhaps even taking it further by doing a deeper dive into all the different topics, including some that may not be mentioned here. Through education and awareness, we can reduce stigma, as well as build more empathy for those around us. 🌱

10/20/2026

October is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month.

Yesterday's Mental Health Monday segment spotlights be nice. supporter, AJ Ackley, who shares his lived experiences with substance abuse and recovery, with proudly having more than 13 years of sobriety.

Through his unique perspective and understanding of the struggles that come from substance use, AJ is now a social worker, therapist, and founder of Real Therapy that focuses on substance use, trauma, and recovery. A range of clients including veterans, first responders, and individuals living with PTSD.

💭 Learn more about AJ's expertise here: https://bit.ly/4i3yAGw
💻 Substance Abuse Prevention info: https://www.samhsa.gov/

Additionally, AJ was recently featured on the be nice. podcast with our CEO and Founder, Christy Buck, challenging the myth that people with substance use disorder simply need more willpower. Their discussion sheds light on the importance of recognizing warning signs, understanding trauma and creating space for honest conversations about mental health and recovery.

🎧 Listen to AJ's episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me1qbyTboy8

He's using his own lived experience with substance use to support a...

10/19/2026

Yesterday we got to watch some talented cheerleaders perform stunts that we only dream of doing! 🤩📣✨

FOE All Star Cheer hosted a Stunt Tournament that also was a fundraiser for be nice.! 🥹💚🩷 It was meaningful to connect with the families of the athletes and spread awareness around the be nice. Action Plan.

When it comes to the sport of cheerleading, it demands intense physical and mental focus, which can cause emotional pressure and stress, impacting one’s self esteem. Having a psychologically supportive and safe space to practice in is monumental for each cheerleader’s mental health. We are honored to play a positive part in that. 🤸🏾

We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we share with FOE All Star Cheer and look forward to more collaborations in the future!

10/19/2026

We are filled to the brim from our 2026 Shining Through Art Show & Auction! ✨🖼️🎨

Our beloved flagship event would not have been possible without the generosity of our sponsors:

Great Lakes Marking Products
Pioneer Construction
Network 180
Forest View and South Ridge Hospital
Hines Corporation
Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU)
Len & Emili Slott
Reliance Community Care Partners
Atonne Group
BDO
Lamer Agency Insurance Solutions
Michael Cary & Marge Loughrin
Meijer
North Central Area Credit Union
Trailer Xpress Equipment
Trinity Health Michigan

With immense gratitude to the following who donated time and resources in support:

LaFontsee Galleries
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Tippy Cow
Legends Spirts & Games
Mercury Head Gallery
West Michigan Piano
Casey Jones, Emcee
Keegan Shaw, Auctioneer
Joshua Zimmerman

Along with a special shoutout to the Goei Center, our be nice. Ambassadors, be nice. Board of Directors, be nice. Staff, volunteers, and countless of businesses who enriched the experience of Shining Through with their support.

Above all else, we want to emphasize the importance of the artists who were showcased at our event. Putting their art out into the world is a brave and vulnerable act. By sharing their gifts and stories, they provide others with invaluable inspiration and heartfelt connections that stem from their creativity. We are so proud of each and every piece, along with the humans behind them. Thank you sincerely, artists!!!!

It takes a village to run a non-profit organization. For the people who lift us up and believe in the impact of our be nice. Programming: we do not take you for granted. We are immensely fortunate for the ways you show up for us year after year. And because of you, we continue to have the privilege to empower countless individuals with our mental health education and su***de prevention. You are directly a part of the impact be nice. has on lives, including saving them. 💚🩷

With all the love in our hearts to your own… Thank you.