West Michigan Survivors of Suicide Loss

22/11/2025

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2025 International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day annual conference. This year was one of the best yet.

It’s not easy to attend an event like this, but we are proud of the strength and determination of everyone who joined us.

Special thanks to The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan - be nice. for hosting us again.

Thank you to Coach Terry Hessbrook of The B #4 Foundation for sharing Brady’s brave story during the keynote presentation. B #4 Foundation

We also apprecuate the support of exhibiting resource organizations:
* Pine Rest
* Forest View Hospital
* Wedgwood Christian Services
* i understand
* Network180
* American Foundation for Su***de Prevention
* AFSP Michigan Chapter
* Grief Boxing - Byron Center

22/11/2025

Our annual International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day conference brings together incredible community partners who create an opportunity for grieving individuals to find hope and comfort.

This event is possible because of organizations like Michigan Apples helping us feed attendees throughout the day🍎

22/11/2025

We enjoyed a beautiful International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day with nearly 100 attendees.

Here’s a look at what you can expect at these annual events.

13/11/2025

WGVU spoke with our Board member and support group host, Becky Olson, about what attendees can expect during the 2025 International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day annual conference.

Registration is open through Friday!

The holiday season can be difficult for su***de loss survivors, but an annual Grand Rapids conference aims to provide comfort

12/11/2025

November 22 is International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day. West Michigan Survivors of Su***de Loss will host our annual conference to give those touched by su***de loss a place to connect and restore hope before the holiday season.

We were honored to share more about the event with WOOD TV8. Watch and register today!

People who have lost someone to su***de are invited to come together in West Michigan just before Thanksgiving.

24/10/2025

We're one month away from International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day and our annual conference. Register today!
https://wmsosl.com/annual-conference/

Spend a morning with fellow survivors of loss who understand this complicated grief journey. Listen, share, and find hope as you head into the holiday season. You are not alone.

07/10/2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 International Survivors of Su***de Loss Day conference: https://grand-rapids-michigan.isosld.afsp.org/

14/09/2025

We are all set up at the Grand Rapids Out of the Darkness Walks. If you are in the area, stop in and say hi to Board members Bonnie Thomas, Sue Dryer Hoskinson, and Scott Dykstra.

07/04/2025

Thank you WOOD TV8 for hosting important conversations about mental health.

West Michigan Survivors of Su***de Loss has been hosting monthly support group meetings for over 40 years. Anyone who is navigating the complex su***de loss journey is welcome to join us. It’s helpful to connect with others who understand, no matter when the loss happened.

Facing the loss of a loved one is difficult but losing someone to su***de can add another level of pain to your grief. But there are ways to deal with that g...

06/04/2025

Tune into WOOD-TV between 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M. on Monday, April 7 to see WMSOSL's Scott Dykstra and Becky Olson share their loss stories. Hear how monthly support groups offer a helpful way for people to cope with loss.

Read more in this month's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/050d512a1ef4/join-our-october-group-meeting-and-survivor-conference-14180855

13/03/2025

Read our March newsletter and join our email list if you'd like to receive our monthly updates! This month features a guest article about channeling grief into art.

This month's guest article is written by Jane Reiter who lost her husband to su***de in January 2023. Visit her artist's website here.  Entering the kitchen, the lights were on, and his phone and glasses were left on the dining table. The house was silent and there was no music playing. I had tex...