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Giving Back, Giving Thanks Reception
sponsored by Clayman & Associates, PLLC's
January 15, 2013
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Messages For Hope was honored to attend the "Giving Back, Giving Thanks Reception" provided by Clayman & Associates, PLLC's at Edgewood Country Club, Charleston WV on January 15, 2013. We were honored when Director of Marketing and Business Development, Carrie Bowe, contacted us with the invite. Carrie planned a wonderful event! |
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“Remember Me – Annual Candle Lighting Service”
December 18, 2012
Our "Remember Me - Annual Candle Lighting Service" was held at the home of the Founders of Messages For Hope, Debbie and Chuck Cardwell this year. Many were present with a picture of their loved one and as they were placed a candle was lit for each. The ceremony is to honor the memory of our missing loved ones and to gather together to share our memories. It was a lovely service and a wonderful way to celebrate their life as well as the Holiday Season.
A Time For Healing - Book Signing
Author Jack Runion
"A Bad Goodbye - Overcoming the Grief of Suicide"
December 2, 2012
Messages For Hope was glad to support Author Jack Runion at a book signing at the St. Timothy's Episcopal Church on December 2nd, 2012. Jack's new book is was just released and he is excited to share his story. Jack is also a great singer and did a wonderful presentation in telling his experience with being touched by suicide and his love for God all at the same time. Thanks Jack for inviting us to be a part of your first book signing, it was an honor!
At the Frank Veltri Thanksgiving Dinner
November 22, 2012
Messages For Hope helped once again for this wonderful event held annually at the First Baptist Church on Thanksgiving Day in Charleston WV, The dinner serves approximately 2500 meals to the homeless and area shut-ins. We began helping with this dinner in 2008 and have enjoyed it every year. The past couple of years we have delivered the meals to the shut-ins and we love to see their smiling faces when we appear at their doors! Great event!
South Park Village Thanksgiving Dinner
November 17th, 2012
We were happy to help some other area churches in preparing and serving Thanksgiving Dinner to South Park Village. We met some wonderful people and had a great day of fellowship!
Carnival For Charity
November 10th, 2012
Messages For Hope joined with Moms on a Mission to host "Carnival for Charity" at the Village Chapel Presbyterian Church on November 10th, 2012. We had many people come to help and we had a great time!
New Support Group in Fairmont, WV
October 9th, 2012
After many months on planning Messages For Hope was able to secure a location for the Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide support group meeting in Fairmont, WV at the Pleasant Valley Fire Department located on 1707 Pleasant Valley Rd. We are glad to be able to continue our services to this area!
Kanawha City HealthFair
September 22, 2013
Messages For Hope attended the Kanawha City Health Fair at Highland Hospital on September 22, 2013. The event was sponsored by Highland Hospital and we were happy to be invited to participate! Julia Keeton was present for the event.
IRS Approval of our 501(c)3 Application
September 20, 2012
We were overjoyed to receive approval for our 501(c)3 application from the IRS on Thursday, September 20, 2012. It was a lengthy and challenging application process and we are grateful for the support we received from several individuals during the process. Thank You to all who assisted us in this daunting task!
Governor's Proclamation for WV Suicide Prevention Week
September 10, 2012
What an huge day for Suicide Prevention in WV. This day Governor Tomblin issued a Proclamation marking the week of September 10th through September 15th as Suicide Prevention Week in West Virginia.
September 10th of each year is also World Suicide Prevention Day
Messages For Hope Founders, Debbie and Chuck Cardwell, were present and were moved by the special occasion as Debbie wore her picture of her daughter Amber on her jacket.
Debbie and Chuck are also on the Board of Directors of the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide and met many other Board Members at the Capitol.
To the left is Governor Tomblin and Bob Musick, Executive Director, with the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide with the official Proclamation.
September 10th of each year is also World Suicide Prevention Day
Messages For Hope Founders, Debbie and Chuck Cardwell, were present and were moved by the special occasion as Debbie wore her picture of her daughter Amber on her jacket.
Debbie and Chuck are also on the Board of Directors of the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide and met many other Board Members at the Capitol.
To the left is Governor Tomblin and Bob Musick, Executive Director, with the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide with the official Proclamation.
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World Suicide Prevention Day
Daniel Boone Park - Charleston, WV
September 10, 2012
Walk For Suicide Prevention
Magic Island - Charleston WV
August 25th, 2012
South Park Village
Community Day, August 11, 2012
Messages For Hope was happy to spend the day at the South Park Community Day! It was great fun, and it was wonderful to see the community involvement. We served 350 hot dogs, 25 lbs of hot dog chili and lots of information that can help the community. A great day!
Greenbrier County Suicide Prevention Community Walk - July 28th, 2012
The Hope Coalition of Greenbrier County - a suicide prevention organization and Messages For Hope joined together to present the first ever Suicide Prevention Walk in Greenbrier County. The walk was held at the New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg on Saturday, July 28th 2012.
The walk was sponsored by the Robert C. Byrd Clinic, Seneca Health Services, Rainelle Medical Center, Rhema Christian Center, Greenbrier Valley Medical Center and Amanda Reed Photographer. There were many volunteers that helped with the set up and presentation of the event including Andre Williams who sang the National Anthem, the JROTC from Greenbrier East High School, the Greenbrier Valley Medical Arts Pharmacy for the food, Seneca Health Services for the water, Paramedics from New River C & T College, the Old Stone Presbyterian Church and the Children's Home Society for the use of their chairs, Mountain Heritage Floral for flower arrangements used on our "Memorial Table", and Cathy Rennard, Steve Cooke and Rhema Christian Center for providing the balloons for our "Balloon Ceremony".
Proclamation of
"Suicide Prevention Day" in Lewisburg, WV
On July 12th, 2012 the Greenbrier County Commission designated Saturday, July 28th as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Day. Below is the video of the reading of the proclamation from Mayor John Manchester and some of the members of the coalition. The day will be commemorated with a Community Walk at New River Community & Technical College. The Greenbrier County Suicide Prevention Community Walk is the first walk to be held in the County. Messages For Hope was glad to participate with the Hope Coalition in the signing of the proclamation and honored to be a part of the progress made in the county in helping the survivors of a suicide loss and raising awareness about suicide!
New"Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss"
Support Group Meeting in Lewisburg, WV
On May 5th, 2012 Messages For Hope opened another support group for the survivors of suicide loss in Greenbrier County. The first meeting was located at the Greenbrier County Public Library and was facilitated by Debbie Cardwell. Here the Founders of Messages For Hope, Debbie and Chuck Cardwell prepare for their first meeting in Lewisburg.
The meetings will be held at the Clifton Presbyterian Church in the future. Messages For Hope is excited to be able to work with the survivors in the area and appreciative of the support we have received from the community.
For more information about this support group please contact debbie@messagesforhope.com.
The meetings will be held at the Clifton Presbyterian Church in the future. Messages For Hope is excited to be able to work with the survivors in the area and appreciative of the support we have received from the community.
For more information about this support group please contact debbie@messagesforhope.com.
Messages For Hope at Greenbrier County, WV
Debbie and Chuck Cardwell preparing for their first meeting with the Hope Coalition of Greenbrier County on February 21st, 2012.
The coalition was established at the end of 2011 by a group of local stakeholders who wanted to begin an awareness and education campaign to assist in the prevention of suicide in their region.
We were honored to be ask to join this coalition and bring our experience with aiding the survivors of a suicide loss and raising awareness of suicide, suicide prevention, and the stigmas surrounding mental health issues that keep people from seeking treatment that can save their lives.
The coalition was established at the end of 2011 by a group of local stakeholders who wanted to begin an awareness and education campaign to assist in the prevention of suicide in their region.
We were honored to be ask to join this coalition and bring our experience with aiding the survivors of a suicide loss and raising awareness of suicide, suicide prevention, and the stigmas surrounding mental health issues that keep people from seeking treatment that can save their lives.
"Voices for Hope"
Launched January 24th, 2012
Messages For Hope felt there was a need for an area support group for those interested in mental health and wellness support. Messages For Hope began a new phase of support with a corresponding name Voices for Hope. We had our first meeting at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Charleston, WV with Debbie Cardwell facilitating.
We also began our Voices For Hope Peer Support Group for Mood Disorders group on Facebook. We have kept this group open because it is our believe that it will help in erasing stigmas surrounding suicide and mental health issues.
Our organization is based on the belief that people who have faced, endured, and overcome adversity can offer useful support, encouragement, and HOPE to others with similar situations.
This group is intended to provide a forum for understanding, and mutual acceptance. Our wish is to support and empower adults diagnosed with a mental illness as well as their family members and loved ones.
We also began our Voices For Hope Peer Support Group for Mood Disorders group on Facebook. We have kept this group open because it is our believe that it will help in erasing stigmas surrounding suicide and mental health issues.
Our organization is based on the belief that people who have faced, endured, and overcome adversity can offer useful support, encouragement, and HOPE to others with similar situations.
This group is intended to provide a forum for understanding, and mutual acceptance. Our wish is to support and empower adults diagnosed with a mental illness as well as their family members and loved ones.
Remember Me
Annual Candle Lighting Service
December 13th, 2011
Messages For Hope Held a Candle Lighting Service on December 13th, 2011 in Charleston at the St. Mark's United Methodist Church and also in Kenova, WV at the Gazebo across from the Kenova City Hall.
December is a perfect time of year to honor the memory of our loved ones. Holidays always hold dear memories of our loved ones and many of us find the holidays difficult to get through.
People joined us with pictures and candles for a short ceremony to help us prepare for one of our beloved holidays - Christmas.
Messages For Hope is planning on making this an annual event with hopes of having more cities join with us.
Please Contact Us if you are interested in joining us by hosting a "Remember Me - Annual Candle Lighting Service in your area on December 13th, 2013.
December is a perfect time of year to honor the memory of our loved ones. Holidays always hold dear memories of our loved ones and many of us find the holidays difficult to get through.
People joined us with pictures and candles for a short ceremony to help us prepare for one of our beloved holidays - Christmas.
Messages For Hope is planning on making this an annual event with hopes of having more cities join with us.
Please Contact Us if you are interested in joining us by hosting a "Remember Me - Annual Candle Lighting Service in your area on December 13th, 2013.
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Healing Conference - Charleston WV
13th Annual International
Survivor's of Suicide Day - Nov.19th, 2011
On November 19th, 2011 thousands of survivors of suicide loss gathered together at local conference sites in cities and towns throughout the world on this annual day of healing. This event is held on the third Saturday of November each year.
Survivors of suicide loss often feel isolated - 1 million people die by suicide every year. Family members and friends are left behind with many unanswered questions.
The conference was designed to create a comfortable, safe place to come for support, and information that can help in your journey.
Survivors of suicide loss often feel isolated - 1 million people die by suicide every year. Family members and friends are left behind with many unanswered questions.
The conference was designed to create a comfortable, safe place to come for support, and information that can help in your journey.
The day began with the opening ceremony by Debbie Cardwell, Chair and Co-Founder
of Messages For Hope.
There were workshops in the morning, followed by a wonderful lunch and great fellowship with other survivors. After
lunch we gathered for a candle lighting service, and together we watched a
pre-recorded panel discussion program by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention involving experts and survivors.
After the video we had an open meeting with discussion from everyone present. Debbie facilitated the meeting as she does with the "Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss" support group meetings.
Due to the success of the conference we hope that we will be able to hold more of these in the future!
of Messages For Hope.
There were workshops in the morning, followed by a wonderful lunch and great fellowship with other survivors. After
lunch we gathered for a candle lighting service, and together we watched a
pre-recorded panel discussion program by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention involving experts and survivors.
After the video we had an open meeting with discussion from everyone present. Debbie facilitated the meeting as she does with the "Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss" support group meetings.
Due to the success of the conference we hope that we will be able to hold more of these in the future!
Chili-n-For Hope Chili Cook-Off
Nov 13th, 2011,
St. Paul's UMC in Nitro, WV
Wow! This was such a great fundraiser - the chili was wonderful, the hosts were fantastic. Many of our Board of Directors attended with some of our dearest friends. We were honored that the members of St. Paul's UMC went to such great lengths to raise funds for our cause. There was also a silent auction that was loaded with baked goods-Great Job Members at St. Paul's UMC! Thank you for the Fundraiser and the Hospitality!
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Panel Discussion Board
at Marshall University - Nov. 7th, 2011
Suicide: Let's Talk About It
The Huntington Branch of the National Association of Social Workers, West Virginia Chapter, along with the Marshall University Department of Social Work hosted this panel presentation with a question and answer format. The event was held at the Harless Auditorium, Marshall University School of Medicine. The proceeds from the registration were donated to
Messages For Hope, Inc.
Special Thanks to - Kim White, LCSW, National Assoc. of Social Workers Huntington Branch Leader who coordinated the event.
Messages For Hope set up an information table and present at the event were: Chuck and Debbie Cardwell, Michael Goldman, Tom Clark, and Connie Spurlock. There were six panelists and Debbie Cardwell represented Messages For Hope. Tom Clark gave a presentation, Chuck Cardwell filled in for Debbie Cardwell, who had laryngitis. You could feel the involvement from everyone in the room throughout the entire evening.
Check out the article from the event in The Parthenon-Marshall University's Student Newspaper
Messages For Hope, Inc.
Special Thanks to - Kim White, LCSW, National Assoc. of Social Workers Huntington Branch Leader who coordinated the event.
Messages For Hope set up an information table and present at the event were: Chuck and Debbie Cardwell, Michael Goldman, Tom Clark, and Connie Spurlock. There were six panelists and Debbie Cardwell represented Messages For Hope. Tom Clark gave a presentation, Chuck Cardwell filled in for Debbie Cardwell, who had laryngitis. You could feel the involvement from everyone in the room throughout the entire evening.
Check out the article from the event in The Parthenon-Marshall University's Student Newspaper
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We were asked many questions and the survivors of a suicide loss were well represented.
We were pleased to participate and would willingly participate in this type of event again. Great Job to All! To the right is Chuck Cardwell, Co-Founder and Vice Chair doing a presentation. The presentation was meant for wife Debbie, until she lost her voice. Wonderful Job! |
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Special Showing of Public Service Announcement - October 19th, 2011
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The special presentation of the PSA dealing with "Adolescent Suicides" was held at the Holiday Inn Express in Charleston WV and present were Mr. Jeff Barnes, President/CEO of the Barnes Agency, Barri Faucett, Director of the ASPEN Project, Bob Musick, CEO of the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide, Debbie and Chuck Cardwell from Messages For Hope, and many others who were there to show their support of this emotional video.
Debbie was asked to interview with the Metro News...read Metro News Article |
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Messages For Hope at the 2nd Annual Branches
Domestic Violence and Kid's Fair
October 8th, 2011 -- We were honored to participate in the 2nd Annual Branches Domestic Violence & Kid's Fair at Ritter Park in Huntington, WV. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and we enjoyed talking to the many survivors we met today. It was also a pleasure to support the Branches Domestic Shelter in their efforts! We participated in this event last year and we will return again next!
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Walk for Suicide Prevention
Charleston WV - 2011
On October 1st, 2011 Charleston WV held their first ever "Walk for Suicide Prevention" at Magic Island. The weather was a very chilly 42 degrees and misty, but it did not keep these participants away!
The walk was presented by: Messages For Hope, the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide, and A.S.P.E.N.
The walk was presented by: Messages For Hope, the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide, and A.S.P.E.N.
Out of the Darkness
Community Walk
Huntington WV - 2011
September 10th, 2011 was the "Out of the Darkness" Community Walk in Huntington WV. The walk was held at Pullman Square and Messages For Hope, Inc's Co-Founder, Debbie Cardwell, was the walk coordinator.
Messages For Hope Board of Directors; Chuck Cardwell, Connie Spurlock, Connie Clark, Thomas Clark, Melissa Mathis, Bob Halstead, Michael Goldman, and Jennifer Borda were there to help with set up and to meet the Survivors as they gathered around the fountain. Support Group Members from our "Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss", and many family members and friends made this a day to remember. It was filled with laughter, tears, and hugs as we shared our memories, our hearts, and our lives.
Messages For Hope Board of Directors; Chuck Cardwell, Connie Spurlock, Connie Clark, Thomas Clark, Melissa Mathis, Bob Halstead, Michael Goldman, and Jennifer Borda were there to help with set up and to meet the Survivors as they gathered around the fountain. Support Group Members from our "Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss", and many family members and friends made this a day to remember. It was filled with laughter, tears, and hugs as we shared our memories, our hearts, and our lives.
June 13, 2011 Newspaper Article
Please follow the link to an article about our organization from our local newspaper "The Charleston Gazette"
Suicide Prevention Night at WV Power Park 2011
On May 21st, 2011 Messages For Hope participated in the WV Power Park's Suicide Prevention Night! The event was sponsored by the WV Council for the Prevention of Suicide and we joined tables with A.S.P.E.N.- Adolescent Suicide Prevention and Early Intervention. Barri Faucett, Project Director, for A.S.P.E.N and Debbie Cardwell, Chairman of Messages For Hope, lead the presentation in the pregame ceremony. Many of the members of the Healing Hearts of Survivors of Suicide Loss support groups were present and participated in the ceremony. It was a big step for many of the members who until this evening have not been willing to speak out about the loss of their loved one in public. As you can see from the pictures many of those present spoke the names of their missing loved ones into the microphone that evening, which was very emotional and was a great step in showing others that it is okay to speak out about suicide - that we need to speak out to raise awareness and to educate the public about how to deal with the survivors of a suicide loss.
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