During the month of February Necker’s Jewelers will donate a portion of sales to Foster’s Voice through our Gift of Giving program.
Foster’s Voice, Inc.: A Mission of Hope and Change
In the wake of profound grief and heartache, many people are faced with the challenging question of how to make sense of their loss and create meaning from it. For Kevin and Jaime Atwood, the heartbreaking loss of their son, Foster, who died by suicide at just 19 years old, led to the founding of Foster’s Voice, Inc.—a nonprofit organization with a powerful mission: to end suicide and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The Story Behind Foster’s Voice
Foster Atwood was a bright young man with dreams, ambitions, and a vibrant future ahead of him. Tragically, on July 21, 2017, Foster passed away by suicide, leaving behind his family, friends, and community. Just nine days later, Kevin and Jaime made a courageous decision that would forever honor their son’s memory: they founded Foster’s Voice, Inc.
The name of the organization is a testament to the Atwoods’ desire to ensure that Foster’s voice—and the voices of countless others affected by mental illness—are heard. Foster’s passing highlighted a critical issue: mental health struggles are often invisible, and suicide is a tragic outcome that can be preventable with the right interventions, support, and education.
A Mission to End Suicide and Stigma
The mission of Foster’s Voice, Inc. is simple but profound: to end suicide and eliminate the stigma around mental illness. This is accomplished through increasing awareness, improving conversations about mental health, and fostering a sense of hope for individuals who may be struggling in silence.
The Atwood’s are deeply committed to changing the narrative surrounding mental health. They believe that by encouraging open, honest conversations about mental illness, they can break down the walls of shame and misunderstanding that often prevent people from seeking help. As a result, the organization works relentlessly to:
- Educate and Raise Awareness: Foster’s Voice is dedicated to spreading knowledge about the signs of mental illness and suicide prevention strategies. Education is key to understanding how mental health struggles can impact individuals in different ways, regardless of age, background, or circumstances.
- Support and Empower Individuals: Foster’s Voice offers resources for those who are struggling with mental health issues, as well as for their families and friends. They provide tools and support systems to help individuals seek the help they need, whether it be counseling, therapy, or community programs.
- Advocate for Mental Health Reform: The organization actively pushes for changes in policies that impact mental health care. By advocating for better access to mental health resources, crisis intervention, and long-term care, Foster’s Voice aims to create systemic change that can help prevent future suicides.
- Promote Hope: Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Foster’s Voice is its dedication to bringing hope to those who feel hopeless. Through events, educational campaigns, and community outreach, the organization helps individuals realize they are not alone. Recovery is possible, and there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
Understanding Suicide and Mental Illness: A Non-Discriminatory Crisis
One of the core values of Foster’s Voice is understanding that suicide and mental illness do not discriminate. They can affect anyone—regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Foster’s story is a painful reminder of how these struggles can touch even the brightest, most promising lives.
Each year, millions of people worldwide face mental health challenges, yet too often, these issues go unspoken. People are reluctant to seek help due to the stigma and fear of being misunderstood or judged. In the United States, more than 47,000 people die from suicide each year. It is the second leading cause of death among our youth age 15-24 and the 10th leading cause overall.
Creating Change Through Action
Beyond raising awareness, Foster’s Voice is committed to tangible actions that can save lives. They collaborate with schools, universities, workplaces, and community organizations to provide resources for suicide prevention and mental health support. Their approach focuses not only on direct intervention but also on building a culture where mental health is prioritized and respected.
Some of the key programs and initiatives of Foster’s Voice include:
- Suicide Prevention Workshops: Providing training for individuals and organizations on how to recognize the signs of someone in crisis and how to intervene effectively.
- Support for Families: Offering guidance and support to families affected by suicide, helping them navigate their grief while also educating them on how to be advocates for mental health.
- Community Outreach: Hosting events that bring people together to talk openly about mental health, share stories of hope, and reduce stigma.
Through these efforts, Foster’s Voice is making a real impact on the lives of many, turning pain into purpose and grief into action. To help aid in their mission you can donate, here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=7VK6XW7KJPU3A.
When you donate to Foster’s Voice, your generosity helps people in need find hope in the face of depression, loneliness, and grief. Your gift provides education and resources as well as compassion and support. Foster’s Voice, Inc is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is 100% tax-deductible.
Why We Must Continue the Conversation
Kevin and Jaime Atwood’s commitment to Foster’s Voice is not just about honoring their son’s memory—it’s about creating a lasting legacy that will save lives and bring hope to countless others in the Quad Cities & beyond. Suicide and mental illness are deeply complex issues, and while no one can fully understand the pain and struggles of those who are suffering, we can all do our part to create a world where conversations around mental health are open, supportive, and non-judgmental.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges, remember: there is always hope, and help is available. No one should have to face these struggles alone, and it’s never too late to start a conversation. If you are seeking help, you can text the crisis line at 741741.
In conclusion, Foster’s Voice reminds us that through awareness, education, and action, we can create a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide, and more people are empowered to seek help when they need it most. Every voice matters. Every conversation counts.
For more information about Foster’s Voice, Inc., including resources for suicide prevention or how you can get involved, visit their website here or check out their Facebook page for a list of events and community activities, https://www.facebook.com/FostersVoice2.
Together, we can change the story.
We are thrilled to partner with Foster’s Voice as our Gift of Giving Charity for the month of February.
