i understand

💗Life brings us many unexpected moments. This is one of them. Thank you, Serendipity Media, LLC, Kacie, and Sarah for this honor. Recognizing the importance of bringing the conversation to everyday places validates the importance of our work. Recognizing the work we are doing and honoring me for it, a bit overwhelming, but my heart is filled with gratitude. The journey has been long and difficult, but in between it all, love and hope always shows up, along with guidance from above. This allows me to know, I am not alone. I can’t do what I do without YOU! Thanks to everyone who has been a part of walking this journey with me. Together, we are better. Together, we can do so much more. Read here: https://lnkd.in/grgwxREJ

NEW PODCAST EPISODE with Liz & Kim! I LOVE Ada, and am passionate about bringing the conversation to everyday places. Listen with Liz from Discover Ada, and Kim with ADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION chat about i understand and a few of Vonnie’s favorite Ada places. You may listen here: https://lnkd.in/g9nBEXp8, your favorite podcast platform or on the ABA's YouTube channel -https://lnkd.in/gDe7S3sy. Don’t forget to join us in Ada on August 10th for HOPE turns 10 Birthday Celebration! More info - iunderstandloveheals.org #iunderstandpainliveandhealingaftersuicide #getupgetoutwalkforthehealthofit #definitionpetition #weatheringemotions #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #weloveourvolunteers #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #ThePowerOfSharing #adabusinessassociation #DiscoverAda #supportlocal #keepupwithlizandkim #podcast #whyadaisspecial

Thank you, Lauren Kummer and FOX 17 : WXMI TV for joining us at the “pink house” to learn more about our sensory bags! Sensory sensitivity is real and many are not able to join in special events and everyday places. This is why we partnered with Van Andel Arena and the Grand Rapids Griffins to create sensory bags made available to make events more enjoyable. Thank you, Lauren for sharing our work with our community. Story here: https://lnkd.in/ga3G9u-e #iunderstandpainliveandhealingaftersuicide #getupgetoutwalkforthehealthofit #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #ThePowerOfSharing #weloveourvolunteers #fox17

💗The LOVE for people keeps expanding! We are so fortunate to have amazing people who have turned friends on our i understand board. Meet board member, Andy M.… 💗Andy works with BAMF Health as Program Development and External Relations Manager. BAMF conducts high resolution diagnostic scanning, molecular therapy, and advanced clinical trials for cancer, heart conditions, and brain ailments at their Theranostics Center in Grand Rapids! 💗Andy has explained his reason on why he has joined the i understand board: “When someone experiences a physical setback, we send get well soon wishes and wish them a speedy recovery. But when someone expresses that they are depressed or states thoughts of self-harm or suicide, we frequently turn a blind eye or tell them to “smile more” and “think happy thoughts.” Like diagnosing a torn ligament or visualizing a broken bone, modern diagnostic imaging can see physical changes in brain activity that indicate a mental illness in better detail than ever before. I joined this wonderful group because I share the same idea that our members, volunteers, and those we impact do; we must normalize the conversation around mental illness. Mental illness and physical illness might manifest themselves differently, but mental illnesses remain stigmatized. With limited community resources and outlets educating others on mental illness, addiction, PTSD, depression, and other brain conditions, we strive every day to break the stigma and be a catalyst for real change. I Understand exists to bring the conversation to everyday places and provide resources to those who have been told to “think happy thoughts.” This mission driven work is highly impactful to our community, and I am so proud of the movement we’ve had a chance to be a part of and continue to make better each day. Our board structure, with representation across myriad industries, sheds new perspectives on the topic of mental health so that we can have productive and relevant conversations about how we are going to impact the people in our community. I am proud to work with this group to be a representative for those who are too afraid to talk. We are here to support and offer resources to those who need it the most. Together, we give a voice to those who are suffering in silence. Together, we offer our help and guidance to those who have made the choice to continue fighting. Together, we understand!” AM 💝Thank YOU, Andy for your time, dedication, and passion for our organization. We can’t do what we do without people like you. Together, we are better. #iunderstandpainliveandhealingaftersuicide #getupgetoutwalkforthehealthofit #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #ThePowerOfSharing

💗We understand. Together, with love, support and understanding we are honored to spotlight our board member, Douglas Meijer. For ten years, Doug has been by our side, supporting, guiding, and sharing his own story with truth and transparency. He has touched many hearts with his openness and willingness to talk about subjects that aren’t always easy to talk about. In Doug’s words: “The impact i understand is having in our community and beyond is profound. Real change is happening. People are talking about mental/brain health and suicide and the importance of updating the conversation. We can all make simple changes that could result in big changes. I changed; so can you. Change can be beautiful. Change is beautiful! Join me, Vonnie and others in raising awareness. Together, we can break down stigmas and bring much needed conversations to the forefront.” Doug Meijer 💗Our heartfelt thank you to our loyal board member and friend for believing and supporting our mission and work. #iunderstandpainloveandhealingaftersuicide #getupgetoutwalkforthehealthofit #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #changecanbeautiful #celebratingtenyears #changetheconversation #boardmemberspotlight

💗Telling the truth… just may be the first step. “Gratefully I did not believe the lies alcohol was telling me, the truth lies in the work of recovery, where clarity and possibility awaits.” Introducing Kathy Slagter as a contributor to ‘The Power of Sharing’ to be released this fall. “I had caused pain to my children because of my addiction. The last thing a mother wants to do is hurt their children, and yet I put them in harm’s way, for years, because I chose alcohol over them time and time again. One of my greatest regrets and deepest sorrows is who I was as a mother to my beautiful children: choosing to drink, staying out late, drinking and driving, not understanding the fear this brought to my children.” Kathy Slagter, ‘Telling the Truth’ in ‘The Power of Sharing.’ Today, Kathy helps others in their recovery through One Neigh at a Time, copartnering with her horses, helping others find their passion and purpose in their lives. Kathy listens and allows her clients to experience the healing horses powerful energy, which horses so freely gives to us humans. Kathy’s story is powerful and inspiring, living in truth and acceptance is a key element in recovery and we, i understand are very grateful for Kathy’s willingness to share her story and help others in theirs. Thank you, Kathy. The ‘Power of Sharing’ is available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes and Noble: https://lnkd.in/gES9gSGx https://lnkd.in/gZkbXYsK #bringingtheconversationtoeverydayplaces #iunderstandpainloveandhealingaftersuicide #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #celebratingtenyears #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #definitionpetition #ChangeTheConversation #oneneighatatime

Ten years of understanding! Announcing i understand’s honorary board. We are so proud of the work we have done to fulfill our mission of providing compassionate comfort, hope, and understanding to those who are living with a mental/brain health illness or have lost a loved one to suicide. It's truly the people we work with and their belief in our mission who make the biggest difference. It is with great pride we announce our honorary board members. Pamella DeVos, Founder of pamella roland Doug Meijer, Co-Chair of Meijer Ginger Zee, ABC Chief Meteorologist Brian Vander Ark, Lead Singer of The Verve Pipe These amazing individuals have supported our work in countless ways. Their voice has not only impacted our organization but our community and beyond. Please join us in thanking them for being a part of our honoree board as a face of validation to our mission.

Excited to announce the first contributor to my new book, ‘The Power of Sharing.’ 💗”There is help, there is hope, and it’s never too late!” Steve Kelly Steve Kelly, radio host - www.woodradio.com - openly shares some of his journey in the upcoming book, ‘The Power of Sharing.’ Steve didn’t always speak openly about his own battles, or the loss of his father. Once he began speaking, not only did Steve help others to feel less alone, healing began within himself. “My hope is we find comfort in our own journey to discover the power our lives have on others. We all have stories, have experienced pain, have made poor choices, have been betrayed, have experienced grief and heartache, and have made tough choices in our lives; yet those experiences can give us strength, set us on a path we are meant to be on, and give us the ability to help others who live through similar experiences while healing ourselves.” Vonnie Woodrick, The Power of Sharing.” Steve is one of twenty contributors that will inspire you, as well as offer hope for you to understand the power of your own story. Talking saves lives. Pre-orders are now available: Amazon: https://lnkd.in/g_ECkWrv Barnes and Nobles: https://lnkd.in/gZkbXYsK #bringingtheconversationtoeverydayplaces #iunderstandpainloveandhealingaftersuicide #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #celebratingtenyears #ChangeTheConversation #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #stevekelly

💗Twenty years ago, we were forced to change the direction of our life in the most devastating way. We were all so young. 🦋Ten years ago, our journey brought us determination for change, to make a difference, to start an organization, and we discovered a passion to talk openly on a topic that was often swept under the rug. Today, the women we have all become, was never imagined. We found healing by living in truth, sharing our story, and opening our hearts to those who have walked similar paths. Healing followed. The LOVE, support, belief, in our work from YOU is what forges us ahead. The validation from your words and actions, often brings tears to my eyes because they are overflowing with gratitude. Thank YOU, it is because of YOU we are where we are today. I wish I could tag everyone of you, but my fear is I would leave someone out. YOU know in your heart that YOU have been a part of making a difference and touching hearts. 💗My pink heart bursts with gratitude. Vonnie 💗 Happy International Women's Day! #bringingtheconversationtoeverydayplaces #iunderstandpainloveandhealingaftersuicide #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #celebratingtenyears #ChangeTheConversation #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners #internationalwomensday2024

We continue to witness progress throughout our community and we are extremely grateful. I met someone REMARKABLE. Meet Nicole Klomp, a Limited License Master Social Worker employed through Arbor Circle and contracted through the City of Newaygo Police Department as a Police Social Worker (PSW). Nicole is the first Police Social Worker in Newaygo County and is believed to be the first ever PSW in a rural community, in the entire State of Michigan. Yay Nicole!! This position has supported several hundred residents in the community as well as community providers and the officers she works alongside. I was so impressed with Nicole and her strong passion for helping others achieve their personal best, while creating a safe and healthy environment for them to do so. And now… Nicole has access to our resources to support those who have lost a loved one to suicide or who experienced a mental health crisis. We love this collaboration and look forward to learning more about Nicole, her role, and how i understand resources can support her position and mission. Thank you, Nicole for touching my heart and all those who you have supported in your role as PSW. A huge shout out to Chief of Police Georgia Andres, for seeing the value and need in Nicole’s role. #bringingtheconversationtoeverydayplaces #iunderstandpainloveandhealingaftersuicide #definitionpetition #afterlosssupport #betheoneforsomeone #celebratingtenyears #PowerOfSharing #changetheconversation #WeLoveOurCommunityPartners