As it is across Montana, suicide is a real problem in the Flathead Valley. Suicide has no discrimination of who it claims, young or old, rich or poor. When someone dies by suicide it leaves on average six survivors. For every suicide death there are on average 130 people who report knowing the victim (American Association of Suicidology, n.d.) These survivors are often left asking “why.”

The aftermath of a suicide is one of the most difficult things to process. Many survivors of a suicide loss are left with shock, guilt, and shame to name a few. It can feel isolating as some people experience the shame of a loved one taking his/her own life and do not let their friends and even extended family members know the true cause of death. Many experience the stigma and discrimination that a suicide death brings. 

To help the survivors of suicide loss in the Flathead County, “Bluebird Boxes” was formed. These boxes are a care package filled with comforting items and information regarding local support for a suicide loss, a list of survivors willing to talk, support groups in the area, and a list of therapists. The Bluebird Box includes literature on surviving a suicide loss as well as literature for children coping with grief.

BLUEBIRD BOXES MISSION STATEMENT IS:

A box packed with love, compassion, and information to offer a little light in a time of darkness for those surviving a suicide loss.

Why bluebird box?

Eric Cauble

Eric was a brilliant mechanical engineer; he loved solving projects and seeing them get done. Eric was incredibly talented; he was a man who could do anything! He was fiercely loyal to his friends and family. He loved his two daughters more than anything. He was passionate about learning and being outdoors. He pushed everyone he knew to become better and follow their dreams.

​Unfortunately, Eric ended his life way too short. This event left his wife alone, unsure of what to do and how to find help. She realized that many organizations offered help, but they were spread out. Jude helped put all the resources for local suicide loss survivors into one box so that others suffering such unimaginable losses would have the necessary resources to seek help and guidance. The Bluebird Box is so others suffering a suicide loss know they are not alone and can find others who can walk them through the dark road they are on.

Dear Survivor • A Letter from Jude

Make a Donation

​Make a donation through the Nate Chute Foundation to support Bluebird Boxes
​Please consider supporting this project by donating to NCF so we may reach every family who has been impacted by a suicide loss. We are working on changing the conversation of suicide from stigma, prejudice, and discrimination to that of compassion, love, and support.