4Jake

05/18/2026

To our Nixa 2026 Seniors,
You were the 7th grade class in the junior high when tragedy struck that day. Jake was your friend too and his loss echoed through the halls like a shadow or a ghost until you left for high school. You saw the aftermath first hand and saw where You Matter came from. You knew that if Jake, or anyone else could see the heartbreak and hole they left behind, they wouldn’t do it. Through the years we’ve worked to stay in your lives and continue to remind kids that while things feel dark, there is always light and you (yes YOU) have an impact in this world. We need you. With all your quirks or flaws or failures, you, your story, your light, makes a difference here. As this new class, the last class that can remember the impact first hand, walks into the next chapters of their lives, please remember these words (I encourage you to find Paige’s full speech and all 26 tips ) and remember that while this chapter is over, beautiful and amazing things are ahead of you. Congrats Seniors! Remember YOU matter.
And if you ever need reminding when you feel like you don’t, text 988 or message us here.

05/01/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. When we first started 4Jake and started having these conversations around mental health we realized a few themes very quickly:
Men and boys weren’t allowed to show a range of emotions.

No one wanted to discuss su***de or mental health at all. The community as a whole had a belief that if you don’t talk about it then it doesn’t exist.

And that discussing su***de prevention and metal health had to be sad topics.

The reality is that if someone is struggling with mental health or su***de ideation, they’re already thinking about it. They want to be happy and joyful and are at times, but the sadness is deeper than just a bad day. Mental health encompasses so many more things than just depression or anxiety. It’s big life changes, it’s financial struggles, it’s illness, it’s grief, it’s not fitting in, it’s love, it’s social and cultural conversations.
The more we discuss it, the more light we shine in a positive way, the more these issues and topics can become normalized and people stop suffering in shame.
This month we challenge everyone to investigate their own mental health, how they show up for others, how others show up for them. What life changes are you experiencing? Where are you struggling? Where are you happy? Do you know the signs someone is suicidal?
Let’s continue the conversation and have more good days together.

04/09/2026

03/23/2026

There are plenty of hard parts to this mission. But there’s also really great parts too. Seeing kids that we know have struggled to stay alive thriving and living their lives is one of the best feelings.
We are entering a difficult time for teens. Graduation always brings big feelings and fears.
Remember you don’t have to have your whole life figured out at 18.
You can be 100 people and 100 things in your life.
You just being here and living is important and needed.
You’re so loved and You Matter.
Take a breath and know it will all be ok.

01/27/2026

As school starts back up after these snow days, please be gentle with our kids. We think they may not know, but they do. They’re talking about it. We all have the ability to be their safe places.

12/15/2025

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years. It feels like yesterday and also so far away at the same time. I think it’s important for people, especially kids, to understand that while it seems impossible, it seems like the feelings will never go away, that it can’t get better, it does.
Life is meant to be joy and pain, ups and downs, love and heartbreak. If you’re always up you can never appreciate it, if you’re always down you can never see the horizon.
Learn to love the ebbs and flows, nothing is permanent. Thatnis something that is hopeful and devastating at the same time. But I promise, it’s never bad enough for you to leave us.
Jake you’ve missed so much. Getting your license, graduating, prom. Your mom, Jordan, and your friends all moving along but with a heaviness that will never go away.
I wish we could have stopped you, showed you what life would look like without you, shown you the aftermath so you could see how big your impact was, even if you felt small.
In these 5 years we have made an impact on the community, we have saved kids from making the same choice. Jake’s legacy will always be one of love, humor, and reminding people that you will never know how much you’re loved until you’re gone.

I know you’ll send us signs today. I know you’re looking out. We love you so much.

If you go visit Jake’s grave or his bench today, please send us pictures.
Do something kind for someone today. Reach out to your friends and tell them you love them and why. Make someone feel like a someone. #988

12/10/2025

The holiday season can intensify feelings of pressure—especially for those navigating substance use challenges. These feelings are more common than many realize. Visit samhsa.gov/find-help to learn how to support yourself or a loved one who may be struggling.

12/08/2025

The holiday season can be especially difficult for loss survivors, underscoring the importance of activities that promote healing. 💙

What has supported your healing and growth in your grief journey?