Our Story

Founded in 2021 out of grief, love, and refusal to let one more person face the dark alone. Every journey here starts with the same truth: you are not alone.

IRS-Recognized 501(c)(3) — 509(a)(2) Public Charity
Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Jason’s Journey — Where It All Started

In 2021, Tonya’s nephew Jason decided his story didn’t need to be written anymore. That loss was devastating — it changed what “normal” means for the whole family, forever. It made Tonya start thinking about her own past, and even her own son. We have both been where Jason was. That dark cloud is very hard to crawl out from underneath.

The stigma that society puts on those of us who “are not okay” makes it even harder to reach out for help. Usually it’s easy to comfort someone else and talk them through devastating situations — but when it was time to help her own family, Tonya found it was one of the hardest things she had ever done. She reached out blindly, not knowing where to turn, and found the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Since August 2021, Tonya and her daughter have become advocates for AFSP, NAMI, and Overdose Lifeline.

In 2021, with the help of her daughter, Tonya founded “Jason’s Journey” — to keep his story going and to help raise awareness for others who are suffering. They quickly realized it wasn’t just Jason who had a twizted journey. Everyone has a journey, and every journey is twizted in its own way. So began Twizted Journeys.

Nothing is too taboo to discuss here and you will not face judgment. Suicide and mental health are usually associated with pain, darkness, and despair. It doesn’t have to be — let’s use peace, love, and maybe even some amusement as we help one another remember: it’s okay not to be okay.

The Founders

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Tonya Crump

Founder & CEO

Tonya turned devastating personal loss into a lifeline for her community. As a suicide loss survivor herself, she has become an advocate with AFSP, NAMI, and the Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition — and leads every Twizted Journeys program with fierce compassion.

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Tia Weaver

Co-Founder

Tia helped build Twizted Journeys from the ground up, bringing her own lived experience to create a space where everyone’s journey is honored.

Finding Forward

Finding Forward is a free, peer-led support group meeting every Tuesday evening in Shelbyville, Indiana. It’s a safe, non-judgmental space for people carrying the weight of suicide loss and mental health struggles.

Every Tuesday Evening
Shelbyville, Indiana
Adults 18+
All genders, identities, and backgrounds welcome
Low-Barrier Support
Compassion, support, and community

Who Finding Forward is for:

  • Anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide
  • Individuals coping with grief, trauma, or emotional stress
  • People supporting a friend or family member with mental health struggles
  • Community members seeking coping skills, connection, and resources
  • Individuals with disabilities or sensory needs — inclusive and accessible
Email for Location & Details →

What We Do & Who We Serve

Twizted Journeys hosts S.A.F.E. (Suicide Awareness For Everyone) events, fundraisers, workshops, and support groups for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. We also strive to bring unity, comfort, and acceptance to suicide loss survivors.

Our events allow people to share the journey of loved ones who have cut their story short, and their own journey of continuing after a pause. We believe support should feel welcoming and low-barrier — with care, connection, and community at the center.

IRS-Approved 501(c)(3) Public Charity — 509(a)(2)

Twizted Journeys, Inc. is officially recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations to Twizted Journeys are tax-deductible as allowed by law. We are proud advocates for suicide awareness with AFSP and proud members of the Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition.

Our Partners & Affiliations

💜 AFSP — American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 💜 NAMI — National Alliance on Mental Illness 💜 Overdose Lifeline Indiana 💜 Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition

Where We Serve

Shelbyville, Indiana and beyond — sending our message not just locally, but globally through events, peer support, and community presence.

Shelby County Johnson County Bartholomew County Hancock County Decatur County Rush County

What You Find Here

Events & Awareness
Annual awareness rides, community walks, and gatherings — open to the community.
Peer Support Group
Finding Forward — every Tuesday evening, free for adults 18+ in Shelbyville.
Memorial & Stories
Honor loved ones. Share your journey. A space that holds every story with care.
Merchandise & Handmade Items
Handmade charms, awareness items, and apparel — every purchase supports the mission.

Get in Touch

Questions about Finding Forward, events, partnerships, or general information — we are real people and we always respond.

✉ info@twiztedjourneys.org
Support Our Mission →