The Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention organization was created for YOU because YOU matter to us. We are real people with real experiences.
We offer suicide prevention at a different level.
Because THEY MATTER.
OUR VISION
At AASP THEY MATTER, we envision a world where no one feels invisible in their pain, where hope is louder than stigma, and where every person knows they matter—regardless of what they’ve endured.
We dream of communities where support is holistic, prevention is proactive, and healing is accessible—especially for those whose suffering is often misunderstood, dismissed, or ignored.
Our vision is a world that sees the whole person—not just their diagnosis, not just their story—but their worth.
A world where people don’t have to break to be believed.
A world where compassion replaces judgment, and connection saves lives.
Together, we will build it—one act of awareness, one voice of action, one life at a time.
Our Hope Project
The HOPE PROJECT is the heart of AASP THEY MATTER. What began as a simple community outreach initiative—called HOPE OFFERINGS—quickly grew into something much bigger. Our founder and co-founder realized that people weren’t just in need of resources…they were in need of HOPE. From that spark, the HOPE PROJECT was born: a collection of programs designed to remind individuals everywhere that their lives have value, their stories matter, and hope is always within reach.
The HOPE PROJECT is made up of multiple creative, heartfelt, and life-giving programs, each with the same mission: to spread encouragement, raise awareness, and prevent suicide by meeting people where they are.
Programs & Initiatives Within
THE HOPE PROJECT
-
I Pledge to Stay – Empowering individuals to make a personal commitment to life.
-
The Hope Stocking - Reaching the unreachable with hope in a stocking
-
East Tennessee Lights of Hope: Gather in the Glow - Bringing hope & connection to our local community
-
Growing Smiles – Brightening communities with Sunflowers
-
Pumpkins for Hope – A program for Suicide Prevention Month into the fall of the year connecting individuals because we believe ISOLATION FUELS DEPRESSION BUT CONNECTION BREAKS IT
-
The Wall of Hope – A space where people can take the pledge to make the world a kinder place
-
Hope Poems & Hope Stories (Purpose Shelf) – Inspiring words that remind others they are not alone.
-
Winter Letters of Hope – Sending handwritten letters of encouragement to strangers in need.
-
Signature Hope Marble & Hope Bracelet – Tangible reminders that #theymatter, offering comfort during difficult times.
-
I Matter Alert Cards – Tools for individuals to express when they are struggling and need support.
-
Action & Awareness Plan – A guide to connect people with education, resources, and steps toward prevention.
-
U Matter Card & U Matter Buddy System – Building connections through support and friendship.
-
Antibullying Campaign – Equipping classrooms and communities with pledges and materials to stand against bullying.
-
East Tennessee’s Lights of Hope (Christmas Event) – A seasonal community event shining light during the holidays.
-
U Matter HOPE Box & They Matter Boxes – Care packages filled with items of encouragement and support.
-
Dear Me Challenge – Encouraging self-reflection and self-compassion through letters written to oneself.
-
AASP #theymatter Rocks Program – Painted rocks with messages of hope placed in communities for others to find.
-
Anonymous Kindness Challenge – Inspiring acts of kindness without recognition, done purely to uplift others.
-
The Motivational Walk – Encouraging physical and mental wellness with inspirational steps forward.
Future Goals
Looking ahead, our vision includes Camp Care A Lot, a safe retreat where individuals of all ages can come together, find healing, and discover purpose through connection, encouragement, and hope. Also, a 24/7 crisis support system where people can get through a crisis without fear of being further harmed.
The HOPE PROJECT is more than a set of programs—it is a movement.
Every card, rock, poem, pledge, bracelet, and act of kindness is a reminder that life is worth living and hope is worth sharing.
Together, we can build a world where no one feels forgotten, and where everyone knows that #theymatter.
"In a world that so easily forgets the hurting, we choose to see them, fight for them, and whisper through the darkness: you still matter."
