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Support. Advocate. Educate.
Dedicated to the Prevention of Suicide.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
In October of 2024, Jerri Lynn Stanley lost her precious son Isaiah to suicide. As a Licensed Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience in the field of substance use disorders and mental health, Jerri Lynn made the decision to use her professional and personal experience to help others. Fueled by a passion to help prevent suicide and protect other families from such grief, Jerri Lynn created the Isaiah Michaels Foundation to support, advocate, and educate individuals and communities about suicide prevention and to serve as a voice for suicide loss survivors.
Our work is based on the belief that where there is help, there's hope.
Advocate
The Isaiah Michaels Foundation is helping to advocate for public policies related to suicide prevention at the state and federal levels that will save lives.
“To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world”.
-Anonymous
Committed to Using Their Professional & Personal Experience for Hope
Get connected with licensed providers who have spent their lives devoted to helping individuals, families, and communities impacted by mental health and substance use disorders.
Through the Isaiah Michaels Foundation, you can use the link below to schedule a FREE consultation (phone call or virtual meeting). We would be honored to listen, support, and provide resources throughout your journey.
When scheduling a consult with Dr. Cate using this link, please select 'None' as the payment method. We’ve got you covered, it’s FREE!
Reflecting on our 1st Year...
As we pause to reflect on our first year of the foundation, we’re reminded why we began....to support, advocate, and educate about suicide prevention, and to be a voice for those living with loss. Our mission remains steadfast as we continue turning pain into purpose and reminding others that there is hope. These are just a few pictures from our journey.
BIG things are on the horizon for the foundation in 2026 and those we serve.
—Anonymous, U.S. Navy Vet
"I had a plan and intended to make it my last day, but I came across something the Isaiah Michaels Foundation posted online and decided to reach out. I was shocked that they called me that day, which ended up saving my life. They gave me hope and reminded me that I have purpose."
-Anonymous Client, Indiana
“I was born with severe hearing loss and wore hearing aids my entire life, until several years ago when they broke. Unfortunately, I was going through a tough financial season and couldn’t afford new ones. Imagine years of only hearing muffled sounds. I reached out to the foundation because I felt hopeless. They gave me hope and connected me with a local organization that provided FREE hearing aids."
-Anonymous Parent, Indiana
"My teen was suicidal and I had never experienced anything like this before and didn't know what to do. I reached out to the foundation and they walked alongside me providing support for my child and me. I'm happy to share my child is in counseling and doing well."
Vision for 2026....
We are excited to announce the future home of the Isaiah Michaels Retreat, with construction expected to begin in early spring of 2026. The beautiful property of over 12 acres has been donated and is located in Indiana. The retreat will be completely free for participants.
The Isaiah Michaels Retreat will provide a place of peace, healing, and hope to those who have been impacted by the overwhelming experience of losing a loved one to suicide. Founder/CEO Jerri Lynn Stanley shares, "As an individual who has lost a child to suicide, I recognize the importance of immediate resources and compassionate support following loss. I want families to know they matter to us. The retreat will provide a tranquil space designed to evoke a sense of calm, peace, and quiet, reducing anxiety and promoting healing."
In addition to support for suicide loss survivors, the retreat will also offer life-changing, no-cost programs for veterans impacted by mental health challenges. Participants will have the opportunity to relax, learn, and be supported by the foundation's Veteran Peer Specialist, Jason Burkhart. Jason is a veteran of the United States Navy who completed three deployments, surface warfare qualified, and visited 13 different countries. Having lost fellow friends/veterans to suicide, Jason understands that the hardest missions are often the ones individuals try to face alone. He looks forward to encouraging fellow vets when they attend the retreat.
We look forward to sharing project updates on the website and on social media.
Our Team.
Our team is made up of passionate individuals on a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. United by our mission to provide support and hope one day at a time, we’re driven to create lasting impact through compassion, connection, and care.
A Few of Our Favorite Resources
Click on each image below to learn more about some of our favorite resources.
We hope you will find them as helpful as we have.
Social Shareable
Reduce stigma and provide support by sharing these words of encouragement on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Isaiah.
Isaiah was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and friend to many. Isaiah had a heart to serve others. For six years, he was employed in a health care center and assisted residential area as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, and most recently a Registered Nurse, as he graduated from nursing school in May of 2024. Isaiah had great care and compassion for residents and their families. Isaiah was respected by his fellow employees and provided a quiet and calming presence with residents. He always took great pride in his work and he was committed to meeting the needs of those he served.
Many would describe Isaiah as a quiet soul whose gentle presence had a unique way of lighting up a room. Though soft-spoken, once he started talking he often didn’t stop. Isaiah possessed a remarkable gift for bringing joy to others with simply a warm smile. His ability to connect with people, even in their quiet moments, left a lasting impression and filled the hearts of those around him. Despite the love and appreciation from so many, Isaiah struggled with depression that prevented him from fully accepting his many accomplishments, support, and love. Tragically, the world lost Isaiah on October 14, 2024. Isaiah had previously chosen to be an organ donor, leaving behind the loving gift of life for others.
Isaiah Michaels Scholarship
A 2016 graduate of Centerville Senior High School, Isaiah was well-known for his wrestling skills, setting career records for the school. He was a Wayne County, Tri-Eastern Conference sectional and regional champion, as well as a semi-state and state finalist in wrestling.
In memory of Isaiah, a scholarship was established at Centerville Senior High School. To contribute send to:
Centerville-Abington Dollars for Scholars
c/o Isaiah Michaels Scholarship
507 Willow Grove Road
Centerville, IN, 47330
For online donations to Dollars for Scholars:
Select:
"Dedicate this donation"
"In memory of" and type Isaiah Michaels
We know that it’s not always easy to open up and share what’s going on in your life. Life can be challenging, and no matter who we are, we need people to come alongside and support us in prayer. If you need prayer, let us know, and your request will go to a committed team of prayer partners who will pray for your needs.
If this is an emergency, please call 911.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is there. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors at 988 are there for you.
You are not alone.