People need hope. Smiles for Jake is built on the promise that everyone should have hope—we believe those words, and we plan to spread the hope we feel.

Smiles for Jake exists to prevent suicide by being positive. Our movement will share positive actions like smiles and high fives, while helping people understand they are seen and loved.

Smiles for Jake is powered by people who are passionate about stomping out suicide, people who have been affected by loss and are tireless in their determination to address the problem of suicide head-on.

Suicide is a serious and difficult topic. We do not shy away from the hard conversations—we are honest about the challenges people face because we know that everyone needs to be able to talk about their problems, fear, and despair.

In all things, we show kindness because these are difficult matters and trying times. We know that suicide is an issue that requires tenderness and understanding.

Reducing the suicide rate is a goal and a reality that will have a profound effect in the lives of people considering suicide, their family, and their friends.

In everything Smiles for Jake does, we seek to uplift people through positive actions, words, and feelings. We will harness the power of a smile to give hope.

Locally, Smiles for Jake will create a movement in our community, so our community will be known for its hope, its positivity, and its action.

Smiles for Jake’s long-term goal is to stomp out suicide. We will work toward this goal by spreading the message of Smiles for Jake as far and wide as possible, so that even people far beyond our community are touched by our message of hope.