Bringing help, hope, and healing through suicide awareness and prevention programs in Northern Lower Michigan
It’s time to check out the 13th Annual Kiersten’s Ride Fundraiser
(Click here)
About Us
Kiersten’s Ride is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing help, hope, and healing through suicide prevention programs in Northern Lower Michigan. We are committed to raising awareness in our community so that future acts of suicide may be prevented. We are committed to educating the communities so that lives may be saved.
THANK YOU!
We cannot thank Leadership Charlevoix County (LCC) enough for their TREMENDOUS SUPPORT!
The LCC saw a need in our community, to connect individuals who might be struggling to hope and resources!
They reached out to Kiersten’s Ride to collaborate, rolled up their sleeves and poured their hearts, brain power, ambition and so much energy into addressing that need! The LCC connected with community members, groups and local government, held several fundraisers and campaigned all over Charlevoix County.
This year’s class held the following fundraising events across our community:
We couldn’t even begin to tell you enough about all they have done to help us share resources with those in need, help more individuals and organizations learn about Kiersten’s Ride…. and they have purchased us a branded enclosed trailer which will help keep Hope On The Move all over our region!
The LCC partnered with these local businesses to expand community connection and raise funds:
ACE Hardward
Active Recovery Physical Therapy
Biers Inwood Brewery LLC
Boathouse on Lake Charlevoix
Boyne Hardware
Burr Insurance Shop
Charlevoix Lions Club
Charlevoix State Bank
Cliff & Suzie Porter Fund
Cottage Pottery
Cross Roads Ecumenical Resale Shop
Duncan Studios
East Jordan Lion’s Club
Five Star North Inc
Grain Train Natural Foods
Green Horizons Roofing
Grey Gables
Helping Hearts of EJ
Herzog Electric
Iron Goat
Kiwanis Club of Boyne City
Lynda’s Real Estate
Manthei
McCafferty Construction
Michigan Scientific Corporation
Pay O’Brien & Associates, LLC
Rotary Club of Boyne City
Rotary Club of East Jordan
Socks Kick
Stigg’s Brewery
TJH Enterprise INC
The Happy Troll Deli & Pub
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – 988
The Lifeline responds 24/7 to calls, chats, or texts from anyone who needs support for suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, and connects those in need with trained crisis counselors.
There is hope.
How we Began
We lost our daughter, Kiersten, to suicide at the young age of 17. This tragedy left our family devastated. In the years following her passing, we became aware of the vast number of lives that had been touched by a loss to suicide. As a result of our loss, we resolved to work to prevent others from having to experience a similar tragedy. We wanted to honor Kiersten’s memory, and we knew we had to do something to help others. Kiersten’s Ride was born of tragedy and loss, but it was also born of love and hope.
You can donate at any time to help us make a difference through suicide prevention programs.
Our Testimonials
Lindsay
ASIST Participant
I just wanted to say thank you for the training the last two days. I just felt inclined to tell you that today after I got home from training I was scrolling through Facebook and a woman had posted anonymously in a Facebook group I’m in for Moms in West Michigan stating that she was having thoughts and her boyfriend kept having to “talk her off a ledge” and she felt like it wasn’t fair to him and was a burden and was wondering what resources their were in the community that wouldn’t lock her up and keep them apart. I commented on the post and asked her to reach out to me if she felt comfortable & I would be glad to talk with her. Before this training I would have thought to myself “oh how sad” or “I hope she’s ok” and kept scrolling but because of the skills I learned and the conversations we shared, I felt comfortable enough to offer help to an anonymous stranger online.
She reached out to me and I was able to get to a point with her where she is safe for now and has options for resources.
Thank you again 💗
Lena
ASIST Participant
It’s amazing how this really seeps into all areas and in the most beautiful way.
Anonymous
ASIST Participant
This training remains useful, valuable, and a wonderful chance to build community. Both trainers were encouraging and … allowed only the safest environment to learn and grow.