"I founded ForeverStrong Memorial Foundation as hope for me, the other families and our communities shattered by senseless tragedy - that through giving of ourselves and creating a place to reflect, befriend, and inspire others to not give up and be the best they can be – our hearts will learn how to beat again, and we will have purpose rather than just “making it through” each day. Our purpose now is to carry on their legacies and create something beautiful for our community to embrace, grow, draw strength and make a difference in each other’s lives. I hope you will join us, because together we are ForeverStrong."

“The Forever Strong Memorial Foundation/Project is important to me in remembering the lives lost and impacted in the Kalamazoo community on 02-20-2016.  While many lives will never be the same, the love and strength of our community stood tall in toughest of times.  This Memorial gives our community an opportunity to remember that same love and strength going forward while honoring the families who were impacted the most.”

"I'm here as part of the community to help be a shelter in the storms and comfort in tragedies, to bring hope to situations that seem hopeless."

“This Foundation is going to provide a safe place for the victims, their families and the entire community to come together to honor those whose lives were taken in a tragic way. It will be a place for all to come and heal from these events. I am so honored to be a part of this move we are making as a region to carry out the mission and vision for years to come.”

"February 20, 2016 my twin sister’s husband and son were violently shot and killed while they were doing what they loved – looking at cars – my brother-in-law, Rich Smith and my nephew, Tyler Smith, who was like-a-son to me and a brother to my children. Our lives were shattered that day. We had to learn to breathe again-left with precious memories, we now search for purpose as each day we wake without them. The communities have embraced us with such unwavering love and support. The ForeverStrong Memorial will share the love and light of those we lost; celebrate life and give back the generosity shown to us."

"My brother, Tyler Smith, and my dad, Richard Smith, were killed on February 20, 2016, and this organization has become a way for me to honor their memory. ForeverStrong means so much to me because it not only honors the victims and survivors of tragedy but also provides a space for our community to come together, support one another, and move forward. As the director of the Loving Paws program, I’m proud to lead a team that brings comfort and connection through our therapy dog services. Through ForeverStrong, I strive to give back and help others navigate their own journeys."

The events of February 20th were tragic and I personally knew the Smith Family who lost both Rich and Tyler during the shootings.  All of the victims lives were taken too soon and it is important to remember them so their legacy can live on in our community.  This project is important for not only the families and friends, but for our entire community to have a place to come together.

“The events of February 20, 2016 drew a line in the sand for me personally.  The time to say or to post who I am was no longer sufficient and doing became more important. Strength comes from action and we live in a phenomenal community that has strength and I felt called to step up to the plate. James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”