You Matter, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to spreading love, comfort, and hope to hurting people — one sign, one story, one conversation at a time.
Our story
You Matter, Inc. was founded by Brooke and Rod Dudgeon in 2018, in the wake of losing their sixteen-year-old son, Brady, to suicide.
In the days that followed, Brooke and Rod recognized a desperate need in their community — and far beyond it — for open, honest conversations about mental health. They didn't know whether anyone would show up alongside them. The response overwhelmed them. Friends, neighbors, and complete strangers wanted to talk, to listen, and to help.
Out of that response, You Matter, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Ohio as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our mission is simple: break the stigma surrounding mental illness, create safe spaces for honest conversations about depression and suicide, and remind every single person — wherever they encounter our message — that they are seen, heard, and loved.
Our message
You are not alone.
There is hope.
Keep going. Keep fighting.
You are seen. You are heard. You are loved.
You matter.
What we do
We distribute awareness items — yard signs, wristbands, keychains, apparel, and stickers — and send care packages to families who have lost loved ones to suicide. Each item is designed to start a conversation, and every conversation is a chance to save a life.
Our tagline says it plainly: It's not weak to speak — you matter.
On grief
Grief doesn't just break your heart — it reshapes your identity. You are not going back to normal. You're learning to live as someone new.
If you're struggling right now
Please don't wait. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call or text 988 from anywhere in the United States.