In 2017, i understand adopted a new symbol – a work of art created by Daniel Carlson for Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize. The Door is Always Open is a sculpture composed of copper and steel that depicts a cage, a man, and a butterfly. The man, seemingly trapped by his fierce hold on the bars, is unaware of the open door behind him. This sculpture perfectly captures the message of i understand, conveying that even though we know help is available, we struggle to act when situations are hard or difficult to discuss. It is up to those of us outside the cage to recognize the pain of the person inside the cage, and to walk in to offer the help that is needed. The butterfly outside the cage represents freedom from the debilitation of depression, and communicates how those watching someone deteriorate must courageously to walk through the door and offer support.
Conversations in Everyday Places
i understand is proud to bring the conversation of mental/brain health to the forefront of communities.
The Door is Always Open
“The Door is Always Open is a reminder that there is always opportunity to walk out of the door to seek help if needed, as well as reminding others to please walk through the door to help someone else.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Farmer’s Market
i understand is proud to host a booth at the Ada Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 9:00am-2:00pm. We enjoy connecting with individuals in the community, as well as promoting positive mental wellness in children through the activities of coloring and offering healthy recipe cards.
“We love Ada. The Farmer’s Market is a great way to connect with the community to offer resources, merchandise, and share our mission.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Celebration Cinema
We love bringing the conversation to everyday places like Celebration Cinema. Whether it is through Mental Health Advocate Training in partnership with Community of Hearts, or rounding up concessions transactions for Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Celebration Cinema helps us promote mental wellness throughout our communities.
“Celebration Cinema has been a supporter of i understand for several years, allowing many opportunities to connect and share with our community.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Reeds Lake Run
Mental health and physical health go hand-in-hand, and we are grateful to be able to spread our mission throughout the community by being the beneficiary of the Reeds Lake Run. By simultaneously exercising our minds and bodies, we promote both self-care and the positive benefits of challenging yourself to reach goals.
“Physical and mental health go hand in hand and we appreciate that the Reeds Lake Run believes it too.” – Vonnie Woodrick
HOPE Turns 10
As one celebration of our 10-year anniversary, HOPE hosted a 10th birthday party at Legacy Park! The event was sponsored by Team JL in loving memory of Jessica Leanne Morton, who lost her battle with depression. We were honored to have friends from local businesses participate in the event, such as The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Celebration Cinema, Community of Hearts, Giving Tree Books, Hope Network, Biggby Coffee, Wimee, Feral Yogi, Jim Dandy and the Fancy Pants, and Star Wars characters. We love being able to talk about mental wellness in children with HOPE, love, and positivity.