In 2014 my one and only sibling Bryan Banks died from suicide. To say it has been a “whirlwind” would be an extreme understatement to say the least. Since the time of my brother’s passing, I have been on a journey to try to wrap my head around the causes, prevention, awareness, grief afterwards and all subjects around mental health as it pertains to suicide. What I have learned is, there is no “wrapping your head around it”, there is only getting through the pain in a very individual and specific way for each person.

I have attended several talks, training, programs, therapy, walks, awareness campaigns, committees, read countless articles and books. But, for me, there is nothing that compares to the raw genuine local real help and healing being done by the grass root groups at Foster’s Voice and The Gray Matters Collective. What you do see of them in the community, schools, outreach clubs, etc. is nothing compared to the countless hours behind the scenes I have witnessed them doing on a one-on-one basis. 

EVERY cost goes in to helping people, EVERY dollar is local. And now they are asking for help in starting a fund to help pay for people to get professional therapy/counseling and YOU CAN HELP MAKE THAT HAPPEN!

I am honored to be a part of Foster’s Voice and I hope you will too. In this case, every dollar literally makes a difference. I know it sounds like a huge ask, but if EVERY ONE PERSON we reached just gave ONE BUCK, we would reach our mental crisis needs starting fund goal of $40,000 in no time. Give what you can and know we are all here for one another. If you or someone you know needs anything let me or someone else know. Goodness to you and yours and thank you for your time and all you do!