The Hope Bear Project
More than a teddy bear, it is hope someone can hold.
For Suicide Prevention Month 2026, AASP THEY MATTER is doing something different.
Last year, we launched the Pumpkin of Hope Program, and it became a beautiful reminder of how far hope can travel when people choose to share it. This year, our team wanted to create another meaningful outreach initiative with the same heart, but a new mission.
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Introducing The Hope Bear - a tiny bear with a big message:
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THEY MATTER.
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We all know someone who matters deeply, but may not always feel like they do. Someone who is struggling quietly. Someone who feels forgotten. Someone who could use a reminder that their life, their story, and their presence still matter.
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This year, AASP THEY MATTER will be sending 5 Hope Bears out into the world. Where they go, whose arms they land in, and how far they travel is part of the journey. The person who receives a Hope Bear may choose to keep it as a reminder of hope, or pass it on to someone else who needs to know that they matter too.
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Attached to each Hope Bear will be a special message, simple instructions, and a QR code so the recipient can choose to share that they received the bear, tell us where it landed, or let us know if they passed it on.
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They do not have to share. They do not have to explain. They do not have to post anything publicly.
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But whether they keep the bear or pass it forward, one thing will be certain:
Someone will be reminded that they matter.
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Keep the bear or share the love. Your choice.
Do you know someone who could use a reminder that they matter?
Nominate someone below.
How The Hope Bear Project Works
1. Nominate someone who needs to be reminded that they matter.
We invite our community to nominate someone who may need to be reminded that they are not alone and they matter.
2. Our team will start the journey.
AASP THEY MATTER will begin by sending out 5 Hope Bears for Suicide Prevention Month 2026 across the USA. These 5 individuals will be chosen at random - if funds allow, more Hope Bears will be sent out.
3. They choose what happens next.
The person who receives the Hope Bear may keep it as a reminder that they matter, or pass it on to someone else who needs that same reminder.
4. Hope keeps moving.
Each Hope Bear has one mission: to remind as many people as possible that their life, their story, and their presence matter.
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Will the bear stay? Will it travel? Will it land in another town, another state, or in the arms of someone who needed hope at just the right moment?
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That is the heart of the Hope Bear Journey.
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Keep the bear or share the love. Your choice.
Hope Bear Nomination Form
This submission form is for anyone who would like to nominate someone for The Hope Bear Project by AASP THEY MATTER.
The purpose of this project is simple: to remind someone that they matter. If selected, the nominee will receive a Hope Bear with a message of encouragement and instructions attached. Once they receive the Hope Bear, they may choose to keep it as a reminder of hope, or pass it on to someone else who needs to be reminded that they matter too. That choice belongs completely to them.
Please fill out the form below with accurate information. For privacy, safety, and shipping reasons, Hope Bears cannot be shipped to P.O. Boxes, facilities, community centers, or public/shared locations. A valid residential mailing address is required.
Let’s keep hope going, one Hope Bear at a time.
The Hope Bear Project is made possible by our generous and loving donors. If you feel led to donate to this project, we've made donating easy. Click the link below to be redirected to our HOPE FUND page. Our Hope Project programs exist because of you. Thank you for helping us remind others that they matter.