Programs
The Heart of Hope
Part of THE HOPE PROJECT
The Heart of Hope Project is a community-centered initiative by AASP THEY MATTER (Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention) designed to reach individuals who may be navigating loneliness, grief, isolation, or quiet emotional pain. Rather than requiring participation or asking someone to come forward, this project places simple Hearts of Hope into everyday public spaces—where they can be discovered naturally and without explanation. Each heart carries a short, trauma-informed message intended to meet someone exactly where they are, often on a day they did not expect anything at all. The Heart of Hope Project speaks especially to the unseen: the heart no one asks about, the person who feels invisible, and those who carry more than they show. By offering encouragement without pressure, labeling, or expectation, this initiative honors personal dignity while gently reminding individuals that they are not forgotten. This project is made possible through Hope Volunteers across the United States who participate by creating or placing Hearts of Hope within their local communities. Together, these quiet acts of compassion form a collective message—one that says hope still exists, even in the most unexpected places. The Heart of Hope Project reflects our belief that sometimes the most meaningful support is offered softly, without recognition, and without requiring someone to ask for help.
East Tennessee's Lights of Hope
Gather in the Glow Event
WILL RETURN
After Thanksgiving 2026
PAST EVENTS:
November 15th, 2025 - January 1st, 2026
6pm - 10pm
(Time has been adjusted to accommodate)
Pumpkin of Hope
Be 1 of only a handful of people to participate in a teal & purple traveling Pumpkin of Hope for an entire week!
This September 1st, 2025 – October 31st,2025, our pumpkins will journey from person to person, carrying messages of encouragement, kindness, and connection.
When it’s your week, you’ll add your own message in the pumpkin’s Journal of Hope, take photos, and share the pumpkin with others in your community before passing it on. At the end of the journey, all journal entries will be compiled into a free Pumpkins for Hope book — a permanent record of the hope we’ve shared across the globe.
Follow us on FB for updates!
The Hope Marble Project
A Small Token. A Powerful Reminder.
We believe that sometimes, the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning. That’s why we created THE HOPE MARBLE — a simple, tangible symbol of compassion, strength, and solidarity.
Each marble is a tiny token of hope, crafted to uplift spirits and remind someone that they matter — no matter who they are, where they live, or what they’re going through.
Why a Marble?
A marble fits in your pocket, your palm, or your heart. It’s something to hold onto when the world feels heavy — a visual and physical reminder that hope is real, healing is possible, and you are not alone.
Made for All Communities
We are intentionally creating HOPE MARBLES for diverse populations — reaching out to communities who are often overlooked, underserved, or silently struggling. Whether it’s placed in a school, a clinic, a community center, or handed to someone personally… the message is the same:
You matter. Your story matters. Your life matters.
Want to help spread hope?
You can sponsor, share, or distribute HOPE MARBLES in your local area. Together, we can build a world where no one feels forgotten.
U MATTER Hope Box
Because sometimes all someone needs is a little light of hope to let them know that #theymatter.
U MATTER Box of Hope – A monthly surprise of encouragement, filled with rotating items like inspirational cards, affirmation jars, suicide prevention charms, and a unique token of hope. Each box is a gentle reminder: you matter, you are not alone, and brighter days are ahead.
ANTIBULLYING CAMPAIGN
The Reality: Bullying Can Cost Lives
Every year, children and teens take their own lives because of bullying.
They feel hopeless, humiliated, and alone.
And too often, they suffer in silence.
🔹 Children who are bullied are 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than their peers.
🔹 Bullying can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm, academic struggles, and even substance abuse.
🔹 Cyberbullying, which follows kids home through phones and screens, can be especially isolating and relentless.
Let’s be clear:
Bullying can be deadly.
"DEAR ME" Challenge
Sometimes the hardest person to talk to is yourself, especially when you're in pain. The DEAR ME Challenge is a healing project created to help you explore your emotions, reflect on your journey, and connect with the part of you that’s still holding on.
We invite you to write a letter, to your past self who was hurting and needed reassurance, or to your future self who has made it through the storm. This isn’t about having the perfect words, it’s about being honest. It’s about letting out what you’ve kept buried inside. It’s about hope… even if you don’t feel it right now.
You may not believe it yet, but you won’t always feel this way.
There is a version of you that is healing, feeling, laughing, breathing deeply again.
Let this letter be your lifeline between now and then.
Whether you write with tears, anger, courage, or confusion—your words matter. YOU matter.
AASP #theymatter Rocks (Year long)
Every month throughout the year, we paint rocks with words of hope and images of light—then gently place them in the world, waiting for the right heart to find them. Whether it’s tucked beside a sidewalk, nestled near a bench, or left where someone hurting might cross its path, each rock carries one simple, powerful message: You matter. You are not alone.
Anonymous Kindness Challenge (Year long)
AASP THEY MATTER invites everyone to take on a simple but powerful challenge: do one anonymous act of kindness each day for a stranger. The goal is to spread hope without expecting recognition—because sometimes, the smallest unseen gesture can make the biggest difference.
The Motivational Walk (Volunteer Led in MN)
The Motivational Walk is a heartfelt outreach by AASP THEY MATTER, inviting individuals to paint or write uplifting messages on rocks and leave them along their walking path. Each rock becomes a quiet act of love—meant to surprise, comfort, or inspire someone who may need it most. It’s a simple way to remind others they’re not alone… one step, and one rock, at a time.
Growing Smiles One Seed at a Time (April - August)
GROWING SMILES is a part of our I PLEDGE TO STAY initiative, where we plant sunflower seeds as living symbols of hope and resilience. Each sunflower represents someone who took the pledge to stay. The public is invited to sponsor those on the tree—spreading encouragement one bloom at a time. We just want them to know that they matter.
ANTI BULLYING CAMPAIGN
AASP THEY MATTER encourages people of all ages to take a stand by joining our Anti-Bullying Pledge. If you see bullying—speak up. If you're causing harm—choose to change. This eye-opening program reminds us that bullying leaves lifelong scars, but awareness can spark healing.
As part of our future goals, we aim to present a powerful skit that shows the lasting impact of bullying, followed by distributing anti-bullying HOPE OFFERINGS, including our “I PLEDGE NOT TO BULLY” cards and educational materials to inspire kindness and accountability. (In progression)
HOPE OFFERINGS
This is an anonymous program that AASP THEY MATTER does not report back on due to anonymity.
CAMP CARE
A-LOT
*Future Goal of Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention*
At Action & Awareness for Suicide Prevention, we envision a future where no one has to suffer alone. Camp Care A Lot will be a healing sanctuary for individuals and families in crisis—a place of restoration, dignity, and hope. With access to nature therapy, mental health support, community care, and a free camp store, guests will find more than just shelter—they’ll find a fresh start.
This is our dream. With your support, we can make it real.