Help Amplify Hope
We all have a role in spreading positivity to support our loved ones, ourselves, and our community better. Smiles for Jake is dedicated to playing our part. When you partner with us, attend or volunteer at one of our events, or want to provide listening ears, we can help amplify hope together.
You can also reach out to us if you have an idea of how you might partner with us. We’d love to hear from you.
How You Can Help
Join the Conversation
Use #wearealljake to support a community dedicated to spreading positivity and hope through life-affirming action.
Know the 5 Actionable Steps
If you suspect someone in your life might be in crisis, there are five evidence-based steps you can take now to start helping.
Ask
Research indicates that when people are having thoughts of suicide, they tend to feel better when someone asks about them in a caring manner. This suggests that simply acknowledging and talking about suicide might help reduce suicidal thoughts.
Keep Them Safe
A number of studies have indicated that when lethal means are made less available or less deadly, suicide rates by that method decline, and frequently suicide rates overall decline.
Be There
Individuals are more likely to feel depressed, less suicidal, less overwhelmed, and more hopeful after speaking to someone who listens without judgment.
Help Them Connect
Studies indicate that helping someone at risk create a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can allow them to take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
Follow Up
Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing contact may be an essential part of suicide prevention, especially for individuals after they have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
Become an Advocate
It takes hundreds of Smile Advocates to help make our community events and outreach programs a reality, and we’d love for you to join them. Every Advocate is empowered with research-based toolkits to help spread the Smiles for Jake message of hope. To become one, attend a one-hour-long training session and help out at an upcoming event. Please note: Advocates must be 16 years of age or older.
Tell your story
Whatever it is, we are here to listen and connect with you.