In 2018, Smiles for Jake was founded in the wake of an unimaginable loss—the death of 16-year-old Jake Haapajoki. What began as a way to honor Jake’s life has grown into a powerful movement dedicated to suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and reminding people everywhere that they are not alone.

Jake’s story represents something deeply universal. Through the message #WeAreAllJake, we recognize that so many individuals carry unseen struggles—feelings of depression, hopelessness, or despair. At Smiles for Jake, we believe that even the smallest act of kindness can change a life, and that together, we can build a culture rooted in compassion, connection, and understanding.

Because of supporters like you, that vision is becoming reality.

In 2025 alone, Smiles for Jake has:

• Reached 1,871 individuals through our S.M.I.L.E. (Supporting, Mentoring, and Inspiring Life in Everyone) Advocate Education Platform
• Delivered programming in schools, businesses, and community organizations across Central Minnesota
• Connected more than 8,900 people to mental health resources through LivinwithSmiles.com
• Engaged over 1,700 individuals through HOPE, our guided mental health chatbot
• Helped more than 200 people connect directly to the 988 mental health crisis hotline
  
  

Each number represents a life touched—a moment where someone felt seen, supported, and not alone.

But the need continues to grow—and so must we.

As we approach May—Mental Health Awareness Month—I’m personally inviting you to be part of something meaningful. Our goal is to raise $50,000 during the month of May to expand three critical Smiles for Jake programs:

• S.M.I.L.E. Clubs: Peer-to-peer middle school clubs that empower students to support one another, build connection, and foster belonging during some of the most formative years of life
• Smile Advocate Programming: Expanding our education platform to equip more individuals with the tools to recognize, respond to, and support those experiencing mental health challenges
• Smiles for Heroes: Bringing mental health resources and support to first responders and frontline professionals who carry so much for others

Your gift today will directly fuel these programs—helping us reach more schools, train more advocates, and provide life-saving support to those who need it most.

As Executive Director, I have the privilege of seeing firsthand the impact of this work—the students who feel less alone, the individuals who find the courage to ask for help, and the lives that are changed through simple acts of connection. This mission is deeply personal to me, and I am so grateful to have you alongside us.

A gift of any size brings us closer to our $50,000 goal—and closer to a future where every individual knows that hope is within reach.

At Smiles for Jake, every smile shared has the potential to uplift, support, and save a life.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember: it is okay to not be okay. We see you. We hear you. And together, we are creating a community where no one has to face their challenges alone.

Thank you for believing in this mission—and for helping us bring hope to life.

Smile on,
Sarah Smith, Executive Director @ Smiles for Jake