When Bobby Hines lost his brother to mental health struggles, the grief was deep—but so was the determination to do something that mattered. Together with longtime friend Jason Stillwell, he turned that pain into purpose. On March 31, 2023, the two founded the You Matter Movement, a nonprofit built on a simple but powerful belief: everyone matters.
“After my brother passed, the phrase ‘you matter’ kept coming up,” Bobby recalled. “I kept seeing this quote that really stuck with me: ‘Just a reminder in case your mind is playing tricks on you today: you matter. You’re important. You’re loved. And your presence on this earth makes a difference whether you see it or not.’ Those words hit me hard, and I couldn’t let them go.”
That message became the heartbeat of the You Matter Movement—a call for awareness, understanding, and hope for anyone struggling with mental health challenges, addiction, or food insecurity.
“Our goal is to change someone’s day, and bring a little light into the darkness,” Bobby shared.
From that mission came action—lots of it. Over the past two years, the You Matter team and community volunteers have packed and delivered more than 18,000 lunches through their summer meal program. Each week, volunteers gather at Sandy’s Restaurant to prepare lunches that are delivered to five housing complexes across Blue Springs, ensuring kids and families have meals during the summer months.
“There’s a little boy at the Ridge Apartments who’s been part of our program for about three years,” Bobby shared. “When we come to deliver meals, he comes out to get orders for other people and delivers those lunches around the neighborhood. He’s become part of our movement—it’s about showing up for people, and now he’s showing up for others.”
That’s the heart of the You Matter Movement: people helping people, one act of kindness at a time.
Beyond the meal program, Bobby and Jason host fundraisers like a community car show and fish fry, using proceeds to adopt families for the holidays while giving people a chance to connect—and be part of something bigger.
For Bobby, mental health advocacy is deeply personal. “I had my own struggles with addiction and mental health,” he shared. “Someone gave me a chance back in 2014 and I took that chance—it changed everything. It reminded me how powerful it is when someone believes in you. When COVID hit, so many people faced their own challenges. Losing my brother at the end of COVID was tough, but that’s where this started—helping others who are struggling, just like someone once helped me.”
Through their nonprofit, the founders also promote awareness around recovery and the importance of being there for those in need. “You have to be there for them,” Bobby explained. "They need that one opportunity or break to change things.”
Community members can join the movement through the You Matter Movement website, Facebook page, or their recurring donation program, 9-8-8—a $9.88 monthly gift. “It’s like giving up a cup of coffee or a few energy drinks,” Bobby said, “to make a difference in someone else’s life.”
As they look ahead, Bobby and Jason hope to expand their reach by supporting recovery houses and offering more structured, safe spaces for people on their journey to healing.
The You Matter Movement is proof that kindness creates momentum. Every volunteer, every packed lunch, and every encouraging word keeps the movement alive. Their hope is simple—that each of us carries the message forward: no matter who you are or what you’re facing, you matter.