NOTICE
If you or someone you love is in a crisis situation and need immediate help please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Who We Are
Our MISSION is to ensure no one has to experience suicide loss alone. Our group offers a listening ear. We labor to support survivors of loss helping them navigate their grief by providing community resources, support groups, and fostering community awareness.
Our VISION is for an empathetic community providing loving support, fostering healing, and hope for survivors of loved ones who have taken their own life.
Resources We Can Offer...
To learn more about these resources or if you have a special need, please Contact Us.
Support Groups
Our support groups offer support, comfort, and encouragement after the loss of a loved one to suicide. We are not trained therapists, and our groups are not therapy sessions. We offer a safe environment where we share our frustrations, provide the ability to ask questions, and help one another cope. We walk with you so you don’t have to be alone as you navigate your journey of loss back to a life filled with purpose. Our groups meet monthly. Please check our Facebook page for more information.
Professional Counseling Referrals
The following organizations and therapists have training in both grief and trauma.
Stability Counseling
Henderson Office, 230 Second Street, Suite 406
(270) 854-3132
Jennifer Phillips
jenniferphillips@stabilitycounseling.org
Referral necessary: Please contact Infinite Hope for the referral
The Alliance of Hope offers specialized support for those who have been impacted by suicide loss.
https://allianceofhope.org/find-support/counseling/
Our phone, Skype, or Zoom Video consultations transcend time and distance, making expert help available to all. While we cannot change what happened, we can help you to answer questions, understand what you are experiencing, and locate resources to build a foundation for surviving and healing. Survivors consistently say that our consultations leave them feeling more hopeful and less alone. Learn More...Lighthouse Counseling Services - lcsinc.org
Henderson office @ 203 N Elm Street Henderson, KY 42420
(270) 826-8761
Jane Brown, LCSW
Janet Messer, LPCC-S, MAC
Bonnie Thomas, LPCA, TCADC
Madisonville office @ 1830 Lantaff Boulevard Madisonville, KY 42431
(270) 821-8884
Jessica Thomas, LPCC-SOwensboro office @ 920 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 689-0073
Sonja Cook, LPCC
Rhiannon Gray, LPCA, TCADC
Barbie Matthews, LCSW
Stephanie Montgomery, LPCC-S
Jenni Owen, LCSW
Bree Simone, LPCC-S, RTCBiohazard Scene Clean-up
We offer financial assistance with biohazard cleanup and funeral expenses based upon the means of the victim and whether the homeowner's, rental or landlord insurance policy covers the cost. Please contact us as we can assist in this process.
Board Members
Our talented staff who passionately give of their time
Chip Stauffer
Board Chair
Sherrif, Henderson County
Helen Posey
Treasurer
Dawn Givens Caton
Secretary
I grew up in the Little Dixie area of rural Henderson County. I currently live on my family farm. I have been married for 34 years and have two sons. I graduated from Murray State University with my degree in Elementary Education/Math. I taught Kindergarten and First Grade for 17 years. I now work within our family owned businesses which allows me a little more freedom to participate in “life” on the terms that are best for my family.
A fellow church member of mine lost her son to suicide in 2008 when he was only 19 years old. We were acquaintances, but not really friends at the time. Over time, I realized that she needed help and that she wasn’t getting any from the people who had been there for her and her family in the beginning. I believe that God pushed me (and I resisted for as long as I could) in the direction of my now closest friend. I resisted because “I didn’t know what to say.” I was uncomfortable… and it took a while for me to come to the realization that if I was that uncomfortable, it must be excruciating for that family. I wanted to help, but didn’t know how. Over time, I have learned a little more.
I wanted to be a part of Infinite Hope because I believe providing immediate help during a crisis situation is imperative to a surviving family’s ability to process and to heal, both in the moment and in their future.
Jason Townsend
Prayer Team Coordinator
Jason lives with his wife and eight children in Henderson, Kentucky. After suffering a loss of a family member due to suicide, he developed a passion for helping others navigate the deep waters of grief. Jason is proud to be a part of Infinite Hope of Kentucky and desires to walk alongside others who are experiencing a loss due to the tragedy of suicide.
Patti Hunnicutt
Advocate
I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother employed with One Life Church as a housekeeper. Having personal experience with suicide with the loss of my youngest son in 2003, I became involved with Infinite Hope. I hoped being part of a support group setting would help someone experiencing the same emptiness I was, even if it was only a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. I truly believe that sometimes God allows us to go through things so we will have more compassion for others experiencing the same thing. I have found that to be true in this support group. Being there for others allows me to bring something positive from the most negative thing in my lifetime.
Brooklyn Burris
Advocate
Landon Chandley
Advocate
Michele Greenfield
Advocate
Sean McKinney
Advocate
LOSSTeam
Cindy Weaver
Patti Hunnicutt
Shelly Sutton
Darin Townsend
Tracy Vaughn
Erika Nicholas
Conni Stoner
Jason Townsend
Helen Posey
Stories of Healing & Remembrance
If Only...
Grandparents, oh what joy they bring! The unending smiles of adoration, the unconditional acceptance and unlimited amusement create a cocoon of respect and love, unlike any other relationship. The seasoned lifetime of experiences provides wisdom, guidance, and direction grandchildren cherish and remember forever. So, what happens when death robs children of the most loving relationship? Even worse, what happens when the death was a choice, not a natural act of nature? Unfortunately, I am a surviving suicide victim of my dad. Meaning, I am also a parent trying to fill the lost love and the lost relationship my children should have with their grandfather. Instead of cherishing the experiences my children share with a man they would have intimately known as Grandaddy, I am left recalling memories to imagine what my children’s experiences could be. These stories are my only hope for my children to develop a heartfelt love and connection to their grandfather! Continue Reading
My Blue-eyed Boy
Joshua was 27 when he left this world by his own hands. He was the youngest of 4 and, ironically, the father of 4. At 23, Josh was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a mental disorder his dad also had. People with this disorder go through periods of extreme highs, mania, and extreme lows, depression. Josh’s depressive episodes were also stronger and longer lasting than his manic episodes. I remember on the morning after he left us, I decided to walk down to the corner Kwik-Pic and get a cup of coffee. It was mid-August. When I stepped outside the sun was shining bright and warm on my face, birds were singing, there were 2 baby rabbits playing in the grassy area by the parking lot, cars were going up and down the road. I could hear kids laughing and playing at a school bus stop. Everything was going on the same as the day before as if nothing had changed. My soul was screaming “This is not right! It’s not fair! Everything is not the same!” My child had left this world by his own hands, everything had changed. Everything for myself, his children, and his siblings; nothing would ever be the same again. Some years back I read a poem written by another parent who had lost a child. One sentence, in particular, stood out to me. It has stayed with me since. It stated, “I am constantly aware of the presence of the absence of my child.” Constantly aware at every ball game of his son, every birthday party, every graduation, every wedding, every birth of one of his grandchildren…constantly aware.
I have learned that a mother’s love truly knows no boundaries, not even in death. Until my last breath, I will be Josh’s mom. He will forever be my blue-eyed baby boy.
By Anonymous
My Mom...
I am not a stranger to death. I've lost friends and family over the years. But the way I lost my mother is one of the most heartbreaking losses I've ever experienced. And I want to share my struggles with it, hoping to help someone else through something similar. (People are going to talk about the way she died regardless.)
The reality of the situation is that my mom struggled for her whole life. She loved me and my siblings, the only way she knew how. And that is something I couldn't understand until now. I always had malice feelings regarding how I grew up. I didn't understand how her mental health ultimately influenced her decisions and actions. She loved me in the ways that she could. She would always answer the phone when I needed to talk to her about boys, friendships and TV shows I watched. She would always listen to every word that I said because she knew what it was like not to be heard.
What does this kind of loss look like? Regret. Living with the thought that I could have helped her will be something I will carry for the rest of my life. How have I handled this loss? Honestly, I would be lying if I said I was okay. I'm not OK. We lost our mother so young. No child should lose their mom this young.
And now for the advice. How does one handle grief? Honestly, there's no right way. I've made many mistakes trying to cope with my feelings. I've pushed people away that I care about. That isn't the right answer, though. I know my mom wouldn't have wanted this path for me. She wants me to strive for better things. I know she's watching.
I am mad, I am angry, I am sad. I am grieving. It comes in so many different forms. But I strongly encourage you, if you are going through something like this or if you ever unfortunately lose someone to suicide, having these emotions is OKAY.
Keep the people that you love close. Tell them. Hug them. Show them that you care. You never know how someone is truly feeling on the inside. You never know the actions they will take. Listen to them. Talk with them. But also be selfish and take care of yourself. My mom is still watching. I see her in the sunrises and the sunsets. I see her in the ladybugs that land on me. I know she is at peace.
You may be the person who helps someone choose to keep their life. Treat people with kindness. Forgive those who have hurt you. I wasn't able to forgive my mother while she was still here. I wouldn't want anyone ever to carry that regret. Life is short. Death is inevitable. But in some cases, it's preventable. Be that friend to the one you know is in need. You just may be able to save them.
Kaylee's Story - In Three Parts
When My Worst Days Became My Best Days
May 10th, 2006, I’m 11, outside playing with my friends. Just a normal kid until I went inside to get a popsicle. My Mom is on the phone crying. My whole world changed when she said, “Kenny’s gone.” He was my Dad and lived six hours away; it had been four years since I last saw him. My whole existence died when my Dad took his own life.
Throughout my teenage years, I was angry. I hated my Dad for leaving and was mad at the world and everyone else. At 18, I gave birth to my daughter Isabella. Boy! When I was pregnant with her, I was really angry. Then I remember the day I found peace with my Dad being gone. I was seven months pregnant with Isabella. Even though I hated my Dad, I would regularly talk to him. I forgave him for leaving me the way he did. Fast forward two more years, and I gave birth to my son Kendre Rayjon Anderson. I wasn’t so angry, so I named him after my Dad. I gave him my Dad’s initials, KRA. I have the same initials. There was a point in my pregnancy when I didn’t think I could care for another child. Adoption was a heavy thought for me. I remember the day I talked to my Dad about it, and he said, “keep him, he will have my eyes, and he will stand tall like me.” Kendre is the spitting image of my Dad. He definitely has his big green eyes.
I remember having to write a paper in elementary school about the worst day of my life. I wrote about the day my Dad died, which became“The Day My Dad Died.” Then the year 2020 came, and I experienced the worst day of my adult life when I temporarily lost custody of my son due to bad relationships and declining mental health. Once again, I felt my entire world change. Yet again, my existence died. It was an eye-opener that I had to get my life together. I talked to my Dad a lot during that time. Saying to him, “Daddy, please help me get him back. I can’t live without him.” I frequently called the Suicide Hotline. Then I spiritually woke up and started a journey of healing. Funny how the worst days of our lives become the best days.
Two years later, in 2022, I continue to heal, grow and learn. It’s been 17 years since I lost my Dad, and I’m 28. I am just three weeks away from buying my first house. Today, I have been free from bad, toxic relationships for over a year. I’m no longer angry. I love myself in so many ways beyond my appearance. I’m in love with all I have become and at peace with all the bad that happened in the past. Today, I miss my Dad, but we are closer than before he was gone. Today, I am free! Today, I am proud of who I am and all I have accomplished. Having to dig into my heart to write this has been emotionally difficult. But it has allowed me to reflect. The reflection reminded me that I am still healing daily and growing. I know my Dad is still with me every day. And as the tears flow, I remember reading somewhere that crying is healing. Therefore, I will express gratitude daily for all things.
My Prayer For Buying a New House
"Father, Lord in Heaven -
Thank you for giving me the capacity to purchase this house. I pray for the environment that we are going to live in. Let it be an environment that will help me grow spiritually.
I pray that you remove any bad influences that may cause me to stray from your word. Let our children thrive in that environment. Let them be able to focus on their education and live a life after your own heart. Let them not be lured into any bad company. Protect them from any evil that plans to befall them. Let them live prosperous lives here and always seek to be under your light. Bless their hearts and order their steps into glory. Cause them to live according to your word. Let us not be targeted by any evil plans. Keep this house grounded in your glorious harmony and love. Keep us away from any disasters or troublemakers.
AMEN"
Letter To Daddy
Daddy,
As I sit here and think of what I can say, all I can think is that I miss you. I have written hundreds of letters, but no other people will read them. This one is extra special. It's dedication day! Since the day I got the Habitat acceptance letter, I knew you and uncle Curt was behind all of it. Little did I know you would give me the strength, and courage, and will to follow through. This past year I've put in more than sweat. I've put in tears. When I felt like giving up, I had to come here when the guys were off to lunch and talk to you. I would beg you to keep me in this. When it was overwhelming and terrifying, I'd sit here when only the foundation and studs of the house were up. When I was cussing the goo to be gone, I had to stop and talk to you. You got me here. I look for you in every crowd. At Walmart, at the park, in the car next to me at the red light, as I stand here listening to Cat read my letter to you, I'm looking for you in the crowd of people at our new home. What makes this easier is that you're standing next to me. Daddy, this is one of my three greatest accomplishments. Thank you. I wouldn't have any of this without you by my side, spiritually pushing me to grow, heal and prosper. I wouldn't have the courage to want better for my family. I wouldn't have the strength to put in the work. I've worked hard for this. So thank you for being there when I was frustrated when I felt like I didn't deserve this, during the big days when Bruce poured concrete or put the roof on, on the Saturdays when I did not want to get up and go to the restore for the meetings I was nervous about. But today, I say! Thank you! Daddy!, and I miss you. Volunteering at the Salvation Army would have probably been emotionally easier than all of this, but you know we do the hard work, laugh out loud.
Events
Remembrance Event 2023
Remembrance Event 2022
