Our Mission & Focus
We believe mental health matters, and so do you.
Through education, support, and prevention efforts, we promote brain health and
mental well-being, while reminding individuals that there is hope and their story matters.
Educate
Mission: We invest in prevention.
Prevention is more than stopping problems before they start; it is educating individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to promote mental well-being, build resilience, and save lives.
Collaborate
Mission: We build strong partnerships to connect individuals with all possible support.
By connecting with other organizations, community leaders, and stakeholders, we create collective impact.
Support
Mission: We provide free support.
We are committed to making prevention, connections, and support accessible to all to foster hope, well-being, and healthier communities.
Why Our Mission Matters
615 Million
People are living with a mental health condition
1 in 5
U.S. adults experience a mental illness each year
60%
of people don’t get the mental health services they need
18
U.S. Veterans die by suicide EVERY day
Stay: Your story's not over yet • You matter • You are loved • Better days are ahead • Hope is on the horizon • You are not alone
Our Story
Turning Pain Into Purpose
In October 2024, Jerri Lynn Stanley lost her beloved son, Isaiah, to suicide. Drawing on over 20 years as a mental health provider, she turned her pain into purpose by founding the Isaiah Michaels Foundation to eradicate stigma, prevent suicide, and provide support for individuals and loss survivors.
Upcoming Events
Join us Friday, October 16, for Kicking The Stigma Mental Health Awareness Night at Centerville High School for their final home football game vs. Greenfield-Central.
Since 2020, Kicking The Stigma, an initiative of the Indianapolis Colts and the Jim Irsay family, has worked to raise awareness about the prevalence of mental health issues, reduce stigma, distribute funding to nonprofits and other organizations for direct treatment services, and encourage athletes and community members to speak openly about their experiences.
Where: Centerville High School, 507 Willow Grove Rd, Centerville, IN 47330
When: Activities begin at 6:00 PM | Kickoff at 7:00 PM on October 16, 2026.
Why: One in five U.S. adults will experience mental illness this year, yet stigma can prevent people from seeking support. Together, we can change the conversation and remind students, families, and football fans that asking for help is a sign of strength.
Come out, enjoy a great night of football, and let's kick the stigma!
50
Our impact and it's growing
STATES
Our website has received visitors from all 50 states and 10 countries, providing education & HOPE.
CONNECTED
We connected 200+ individuals to mental health services who had never engaged before.
200+
40+
COLLABORATED
We participated in 40+ community events. We're showing up to inspire change.
Our Snapshots of Hope:
Your Story's Not Over Yet
“To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world.” - Anonymous
"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."
-U.S. Navy Vet
“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 time and couldn’t afford new ones. 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."
-Hearing Hope Again
"My teen was struggling 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."
-Grateful Mom
This letter was written by someone in the world who cares. It was delivered to you at random when you opened this page to remind you that your story’s not over yet; better days, stories, chapters, and memories are just ahead. So let the pen keep writing, let the page keep turning, just keep holding on. New letters posted weekly.
If you’re reading this, you must be having a difficult day, week, month, or maybe even a year. I’m really sorry, life can feel so tough sometimes. Just know that your feelings are valid, and you’re not alone in them. I’ve had hard days too.
One of my favorite things to do on a tough day is to slow down and savor a warm cup of coffee, enjoy a sweet treat, and scroll through my camera roll to remind myself of just how good life can be.
Remember, people need people. Reach out to a friend...you need them, and they need you too. Be encouraged...Your story’s not over yet;
Prayer Request
Prayer has long been a source of comfort, strength, and hope for people facing life's challenges. In addition to its spiritual significance, emerging neuroscience suggests that spiritual practices such as prayer, gratitude, reflection, and meditation positively influence brain health and emotional well-being.
Psychiatrist and brain health expert Dr. Daniel Amen has highlighted research showing that regular spiritual practices can help calm the brain, reduce stress, strengthen emotional resilience, and promote healthier thought patterns. He notes that prayer and meditation can activate regions of the brain associated with focus, compassion, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of connection and purpose.
At the Isaiah Michaels Foundation, we believe that faith and mental health work together. We encourage individuals to care for their minds through healthy habits, professional support when needed, and spiritual practices that nurture hope and healing.
Have a prayer request?
If so, click the button below and our prayer partners will be honored to pray for you and your needs. Be encouraged, you are loved, you matter, and God has a purpose and a plan for your life. No matter what you are facing, you do not have to walk through it alone.
Hope in the Rain
Have you ever stepped outside and suddenly found yourself caught in the rain without an umbrella? In that moment, something as simple as an umbrella could have provided comfort and relief.
Through the Hope in the Rain campaign, the Isaiah Michaels Foundation will provide FREE umbrellas to individuals caught in unexpected storms. This campaign will serve as an outreach opportunity on rainy days, allowing us to meet a practical need, show kindness, and share information about resources available in the community.
Each umbrella is more than a practical gift, it is a symbol of compassion and a reminder that no one faces life's storms alone. Every umbrella will include a waterproof tag featuring Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."
The tag will also include information about the Isaiah Michaels Foundation and community resources. Donors may choose to have their first name or business recognized on the tag:
"This umbrella was donated by ______."
A $10 donation provides one umbrella and a message of hope.
Thank you for helping us spread hope. 💙
Our Vision for 2027
We’re excited to announce the future home of the Isaiah Michaels Retreat, with construction beginning in spring of 2027 on a donated 12+ acre property in Indiana.
We look forward to sharing updates on our website and social media.
Together, We Can Change the Story.
Give Hope. Save a Life.
Donating to the Isaiah Michaels Foundation is one of the best ways to connect people with the care and support they need. When you donate, 100% of your money goes toward the mission and positively impacts individuals in Indiana and beyond.
Thank you for supporting the Isaiah Michaels Foundation.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations made to the Foundation are tax-deductible.
Invite Us To Speak
Founder/President
Jerri Lynn Stanley, LCSW, LAC
Licensed in IN and OH with 20+ years of experience, she leads the Foundation’s prevention and support initiatives. She also serves a voice for loss survivors.
Connects individuals and families with resources, support, and raises awareness about prevention.
Mental Health Advocate
Destanee Michaels
Jason Burkhart
Peer Support Specialist
A U.S. Navy Veteran providing lived experience, guidance, and support to individuals and communities. He also assists with prevention services.
Youth Advisory Board Member
PJ Stanley
Provides youth perspective as a high school athlete, and helps to shape initiatives, and support prevention programs.
Jessica Cate, PhD, LCAC
Chief Operating Officer
Licensed in IN, MN, and ND, she has 15+ years in prevention services and oversees clinical operations and program implementation.
Content Creator & Digital Storyteller
Layla Capri
Helps to shape initiatives and support stigma reduction through content creation, music, and storytelling.
Meet Our Team
About
Isaiah
Isaiah was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, grandson, and friend who had a heart for serving others. He worked for six years in healthcare as a CNA, LPN, and most recently a Registered Nurse after graduating in May 2024, where he was known for his compassion, quiet strength, and calming presence. He took great pride in caring for residents and supporting their families.
Though soft-spoken, Isaiah brought light to those around him with his warm smile and gentle spirit. Despite being deeply loved and respected, he struggled with depression and had difficulty recognizing his own accomplishments. Isaiah died by suicide on October 14, 2024. As an organ donor, he gave the lasting gift of life to others.
Isaiah Michaels Scholarship
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