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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 plans 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.
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.
“To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world”.
-Anonymous
Two Sisters Committed to Using Their Professional & Personal Experience for Hope
Jerri Lynn Stanley and Jessica Cate are 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 to schedule a free consultation (phone call or virtual meeting) with Jessica Cate, PhD, LCAC, who has personal and professional experience in suicide loss and support. She would be honored to listen, support, and provide resources throughout your journey.
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.
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.
Coming Soon:
You Can Partner With Us To Give HOPE
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
