Our Mission

Our Vision

Central to our mission is postvention work - supportive interventions for bereaved family and friends following a loss by suicide. Our vision encompasses four key facets that we believe are vital to the impact postvention efforts can have on loss survivors: validate, empower, nurture, thrive. Combined they form the word VENT, a central component of postvention, symbolizing their role in encouraging those who have experienced a loss by suicide to persevere. Just as a vent provides a pathway through which air can flow, these four parts combined offer a channel for progress and possibility along their own healing journey.

Postvention is Prevention

Postvention involves organized activities that reduce risk, promote healing, and address the profound impact suicide loss has on those left behind. By fostering understanding and offering support, Max’s Mission is committed to helping survivors navigate this challenging path.

Postvention and VENT

Central to our mission is postvention work - supportive interventions for bereaved family and friends following a suicide loss. Our vision is built on four key pillars that we believe are essential to the healing journey of loss survivors.

Together, these pillars form the acronym VENT, symbolizing a vital outlet for those grieving a suicide loss - just as a vent allows a channel for air to flow, these principles offer a pathway to progress, healing and hope.

Validate

We recognize and validate the unique grief of those who have lost a loved one to suicide. We strive to bring awareness to suicide loss and promote healing by continuing to talk about the people we have lost to suicide.

Empower

Through educational materials and accessible resources, we empower survivors to continue learning, growing, and healing. Our goal is to help families and friends navigate the difficult weeks, months and years after their loss with strength, dignity and hope.

Nurture

Connection with others who've experienced similar losses is key. we provide support groups, art therapy events, and remembrance ceremonies to nurture growth, friendship, and community.

Thrive

Ultimately, we strive to help survivors thrive, reclaiming joy and purpose in their lives, even when it once felt impossible.

Our Values

We act with courage. We foster community. We honor remembrance. We uplift hope.

Collaboration

We work with others to achieve shared goals.

Hope

We believe in holding space for light, even in the darkest moments.

Action

We are driven to make a meaningful difference.

Community

No one rides alone. We bring people together to build support, connection, and collective healing.

Empowerment

We equip people with tools to cope, speak out, and find meaning.

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Baskets of Hope

Delivered to grieving families across Chicagoland since the program began in 2023 - offering comfort, care, and connection in the wake of loss.

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Loss Survivors

Since 2024, over a dozen support groups have provided safe, healing spaces for those navigating suicide loss.

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Lives Remembered

Through our “Say Their Name Project”, we honor and share the stories of loved ones lost to suicide, ensuring they are never forgotten.

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Cards

Remembering birthdays and loss days with love - we remind families they are not alone in their grief.

Testimonials

"You are the only one who allowed me the courtesy and respect to say my father's name out loud. You highlighted him and encouraged me to say his finest attributes. It makes me cry right now- that one person granted me that wish. Even at his funeral, eulogy and shiva - the lie of his death perpetuated. A few knew, most who were told the lie of his death- did not believe it. And for decades, the lie continued. It was only through your post that I felt the strength of thousands behind you, that the truth is so much stronger. Their name needs to be heard, and the story of their life, loves and accomplishments should be shared. Not their final brave moments....Please continue to SAY THEIR NAME."

Brooke Edell

"Jill, this post offers an excellent teaching moment. It helps to have a healthy dose of skepticism before we affirm the credibility of any purported “expert.” I also appreciate your passion and determination to never forget their names."

Bruce Simpson

"Jill. Impressive ‘boarding by Max. As the year quickly comes to its conclusion, I want to thank you for making a difference for me in my daily path and the ability to honor Robert’s life.
Holidays can leave us vulnerable and your constant awareness reminders have assisted so many of us. Heartfelt thanks."

Jim Paris

"It is important to remember and honor our loved ones who have passed, regardless of how they died. It is not glamorizing their death, but rather celebrating their life and the impact they had on us and the world."

Chaz Horn

I don’t know how you do what you do. I wish you were someone nearby that I could learn from. I’ve been only “half” alive for these past years. YOU however are making a difference. Stay you Jill.

Steph Martin

Jill Wijangco you do such a wonderful job honoring the lives of lost loved ones! What a beautiful picture of Charlotte and words to describe her.

Kelly Bova

"What a touching and loving tribute Jill Wijangco provided about my son, Zack.
Grief, it’s ugly and painful.
However, it’s beautiful and awakening."

Patty Born

Beautifully said. There are so many people who will never be forgotten because those of us who always choose to remember.

Shannon Ash

Some people are obviously in a job. Too bad it interferes for those of us with a calling. Don't stop talking about Max. Let how he lived define him and provide hope for others.

Fred Fennell

I agree with you. You talk about them. You remember them. You tell their story because people, and especially teens, associate with stories and with the meaning behind stories. Max can still talk to people today when you tell his story and you talk about him personally.

Christopher Mini