We are excited to bring the conversation of mental wellness to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum in October 2024. The i understand Kimberly Mutch Bergner Memorial Mental Wellness Exhibit will allow children and their families to identify their emotions in relation to various weather elements, as well as learn about the importance of acknowledging these emotions through activities and in an interactive environment.
Together We Are Better
i understand recognizes the need for resources in our community to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental/brain health illness.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
“The Grand Rapid’s Children’s Museum and i understand work together to bring the conversation to children and their families through play.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Clinical Nurse Specialist
i understand funded a full-time clinical nurse specialist position, effective July 2017. Nurse Ashleigh Nurski’s position was the first of its kind in the country, and she is dedicated to educating hospital staff on mental health while providing patients and families with educational resources and emotional support.
“i understand is proud to have funded the first in the country nurse specializing in mental health in a traditional hospital setting.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Sensory Room
i understand funded a Sensory Room that opened in March 2021. The room offers a calming retreat for children on the Autism Spectrum. This therapeutic space, filled with sensory supplies and activities, will serve as a quiet and safe environment for children who are experiencing fear, anxiety, and depression to practice self-regulation and control.
“i understand’s work continues by recognizing sensory issues can be difficult for children. The funding of the sensory room offers a place of comfort and calm during their stay at the children’s hospital.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Michigan Sherriff’s Association
The Victim Service Units (VSU’s) within the Michigan Sheriff’s Association are compassionate volunteers who accompany an officer into the family home of someone who has died by suicide, supporting those who are devastated and confused after this type of loss. We understand these volunteers have a very difficult job, and we are honored to provide the VSU’s with updated, accurate, and much needed resources to help others navigate loss and erase the stigma surrounding mental illness. i understand provided Courage and Compassion Recognition Certificates to all 574 advocates within the 52 units of the association in the state of Michigan.
“The toolkits provided for the advocates offer compassionate comfort, hope, and understanding after a devastating loss.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Sensory Bags at Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, and 20 Monroe Live
i understand recognizes those that may need some comfort and calm during a game or a concert with sensory bags. Not everyone can handle the noise and the crowds, and they can be distracted very easily. These bags offer items that can offer comfort during feelings of sensory overload.
“The sensory bags provide items that offer comfort and calm for those who may experience sensory overload.” – Vonnie Woodrick
Grand Rapids Griffins
Sticking to our passion to bring the conversation to everyday places, we are honored to co-host a Mental Health/Sensory Game with the Grand Rapids Griffins. The game features decreased stimulation for those who are sensitive to loud noises and strobing lights. There is also a sensory room available away from the action, which includes seating, no volume screens with the game, and activities away from the crowd noise.
“i understand is proud to partner with the Grand Rapids Griffins for a Mental/Health Sensory Game that allows us to bring the conversation and support to everyday places.” – Vonnie Woodrick
