Mae's Way Foundation

10/08/2026

Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 11:00am to 1:30pm CT | Virtual

"From Regulation to Revolution: How Grief, Connection, and the Nervous System Can Change How We Support Children" will explore how grief, connection, and the nervous system shape the ways children experience and express grief. Participants will learn how grief can show up through the body and behavior, and how understanding nervous system regulation can help adults respond with greater connection and support.

Through an experiential approach, participants will explore the role of attachment and co-regulation, as well as practical ways to help children recognize and navigate grief, fear, anger, and overwhelm. The webinar will invite participants to think beyond grief support as an intervention after a death and consider how these approaches can foster healing, strengthen relationships, support prevention, and contribute to healthier families and communities.

The event is for mental health professionals, educators, grief counselors, social workers, bereavement support staff, community members, funeral professionals, and volunteers – anyone who works with or supports children and families who are bereaved.

09/15/2026

Sharing an upcoming opportunity from Youth First, Inc. for children and families navigating grief. Please see the flyer below for details. 💚

09/13/2026

We enjoyed spending time with everyone at the 7th Annual Locking Arms for Su***de Awareness Benefit Dinner yesterday!

It’s been wonderful watching this event grow over the years. We enjoyed hearing from guest speaker Sam Eaton, connecting with fellow vendors, and seeing the community come together for su***de awareness and prevention.

Kendra Renee Nichols and LAFSA team, thank you for all you do throughout the community and for having Mae’s Way Foundation!

You Matter.💚

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08/28/2026

08/21/2026

51 years ago today, my mom, Roberta, died by su***de.

I was a little girl left behind with a unfillbale void and many questions that remain unanswered to this day.

Maybe that’s part of why I love photography so much. A photograph holds onto a face, a place, a feeling…a moment in time.

What I wouldn’t give for just one more photo…one memory.

Decades later, some of that pain became purpose and helped give life to Mae’s Way Foundation.

Today, in her memory and for that little girl, we continue to reach, serve, and support children left behind by su***de and remind them of what every child, and every person, deserves to know:

You Matter 💚 You Are Loved

If you are struggling, please don’t carry it alone. Reach out to someone, or call or text 988.

Michele Gates
Founder
Mae’s Way Foundation


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08/18/2026

We can’t THANK YOU enough, 911 Gives Hope, for awarding Mae's Way Foundation a generous $3,000 grant!

Your generosity helps us continue reaching, serving, and supporting children left behind by su***de. We are so grateful for your support and for helping us Make a Way for the kiddos!

You Matter!💚

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08/07/2026

⏰ It’s that time of year again!

🏫 Back-to-school can be exciting…And for some, a little overwhelming.

✏️ If your child is feeling nervous, remember that they don’t have to make those feelings disappear—they just need tools to work through them.

🫶🏻 From visual schedules and movement breaks to grounding exercises and positive self-talk, these simple strategies can help make the transition a little smoother.

🥳 We hope everyone has a great back-to-school experience!

05/09/2026

So grateful for our partnership with organizations like Locking Arms for Su***de Awareness and others who help to make a way for children and their families impacted by su***de!

You Matter!

04/26/2026

The 3rd Annual Mae’s Way Foundation Courageous Caterpillars Camp is in the books… and what a day it was!

Just when I think my heart can’t heal or expand any further… these kiddos walk through the doors, and it stretches just a little more. 💗

Courage was shown.
Creativity came to life.
Feelings were shared.
And joy found its way in.

We had fun… together.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone, you know who you are, who helped make this year’s camp such a meaningful day.

And a special thank you to our therapy puppers, Buddy the guitar-playing Pomeranian, and Polar Bear, the gentle giant Great Pyrenees from Pet Partners.

You Matter.

Michele Gates
Founder

*Photos shared with permission.

04/17/2026

Courageous Caterpillars Camp is next Saturday! 🐛💚🦋

There’s still time to register and join us for a day of connection, creativity, and support for children navigating the loss of a parent to su***de.

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Lou Dennis Community Park, 402 Park Dr, Newburgh, IN

Register: https://bit.ly/4clb1I2

We would love to have your child join us!

You Matter.