Who We Are
You Matter Archie is a non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention and mental health awareness through community outreach.
Our Why
On February 12, 2022, Hunter Morton took his life. He didn’t show any signs or symptoms that we have been told to look for. He didn’t withdrawal from friends or family. He didn’t stop playing sports, he didn’t stop eating. There were no signs. Even hindsight hasn’t shed any light on why Hunter believed there was no other way.
Just a month after we lost Hunter, Kristie, Hunter’s Mom, hit the ground running. As a parent navigating this difficult reality, she reached out to several other parents in the community. The message was clear, “This morning, I met with a mom that is on the board of the You Matter RayPec organization. This organization was started after 3 boys died by suicide. They help with mental health resources and just letting the kids know that someone loves them and hears them in their community. I learned a lot from her, and she is willing to help me get this organization up and going. With talking to her there are things that we can do without the help of the school but will need some help. I would love of course to see the school step in and be a partner with us. I was wondering if this might be a group/organization that you would like to be part of. It will be some work to get it going but I believe if we can help just 1 kiddo it is worth it. I DO NOT want another parent to feel the way that Jason and I feel all the time now. If you want to be part of this, please let me know. ”
The reality of suicide is that the whole subject is taboo. People don’t like to talk about it, they don’t like to hear about it – But if we never talk about it, nothing will change. Kristie wanted to be the change. She wanted to bring light to the subject, and make sure that no one else in our community will suffer a loss in this way.
You Matter Archie was born as a way to get the message to the youth in our community that they are loved, heard and seen. YMA is active in the community as well as within the K-12 school. As a whole, our group sees every student once a month (and sometimes more.) We are able, through donations and grants, to give every single student a tangible item that reminds them in some way that people care about them, that they are loved, heard and seen. We run on donations from our community members and business sponsors in the area.
Hunter Morton
As we found out, after talking with several people, Hunter was their child’s hype person, and several of them would go to Hunter for their problems.
Hunter was the type of person to help everyone but could not help himself.
The Morton Family
We don’t have any answers to why Hunter felt he needed to end his life, but we can tell you that he is loved by us, his sisters, and so many.
Hunter’s Sisters – Kaylie, Taylor & Jalinn hold a photo of Hunter
Losing a sibling is never expected. You expect to have them next to you for your whole life.
Hunter Showed No Textbook Signs
In this world, ‘suicide‘ is taboo, and no one wants to talk about it. However, we HAVE to talk about it. This is happening more and more, and it is not okay.
You Matter Archie
Empowering local youth through suicide prevention awareness and community engagement initiatives.
If you need to talk, the 988 Lifeline is here.
At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.