About because I said I would.

Because I said I would is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering people with resiliency skills and mental health habits to face the adversities of life. We created the Promise Card to inspire others to keep their promises, but the movement has grown into something far greater than its origin. 

A lot of people don’t keep their promises these days. That might just seem like social commentary, but think about how many people promise to quit smoking, graduate, recycle or volunteer… but then don’t. The consequences of broken promises plague the world. Nothing about that is going to change… unless there is something to change it. That is what we are.

Our programs bridge the gap between intention and action through:

Resiliency and Mental Health Programs in Schools and Prisons

Our programs are designed to accommodate learners in different populations and teach resiliency skills and mental health habits. Strategies like stress management, self-control, and recognizing limiting beliefs empower individuals from all walks of life to face challenges with clarity and determination. Through these efforts, we strive to build healthier and more resilient communities.

Our Resiliency and Mental Health Programs are delivered through Chapter Program Partnerships.

Our Chapter Program connects us with schools and facilities to offer our programs within their communities. These programs focus on strengthening resilience, encouraging personal responsibility, and fostering community involvement. Participants develop essential skills like honesty, self-control, accountability, and compassion to help them navigate mental health challenges and create more fulfilling lives. By combining skills workshops, accountability team meetings, and volunteer projects, our chapters provide the tools and support needed to build resilience and cultivate positive mental health habits.

Currently, we offer Resiliency and Mental Health Programming through two different types of Chapters: High School Chapters and Corrections Chapters.


Online Resources and Curriculum for Resiliency Skills

Because I said I would provides free, downloadable resources for anyone to access, thanks to the support of our donors. Perfect for teachers, schools, and youth teams, these tools include a book club guide, mentor kit, promise planners, school lesson plans, volunteer project plans, and more. These no-cost resources are designed to help build resiliency skills, support mental health habits, and inspire positive change in classrooms, communities, and beyond. Check out the entire list here.

All Free Resources
Videos on Resiliency Skills
Schoolwide Impact Program


Supporting Grieving Families After Tragic Loss

Because I said I would provides meaningful support to grieving families through bereavement programming at Camp because I said I would. These retreats offer a peaceful environment for individuals and families to heal and grow. By sharing practical resiliency skills and mental health habits, we aim to help families navigate life’s challenges. The camp combines opportunities for recreation with resources designed to strengthen and rebuild after loss.

Camp because I said I would supports grieving families through two tiers of bereavement programs:

Level 1 Time Away with Family: A free 1 to 4-night stay in our cabins for families who’ve lost a loved one, offering unstructured time to relax and reconnect.

Level 2 Bereavement Retreat: A structured 3-day, 2-night program with workshops on resiliency and mental health, including stress management and fostering hope.

To learn more about these programs, click here.


Camp because I said I would: Retreat & Worldwide Headquarters

Camp because I said I would, located 45 miles east of Columbus, Ohio, is a 92-acre retreat center focused on building resiliency skills and mental health habits. In addition to bereavement programs for grieving families, we offer resiliency retreats for community impact professionals, corporate retreats and events. Future plans include launching youth camps to further support young people aged 12-17. Our programs are funded through corporate retreat fees and the generous contributions of our donors. Learn more about camp because I said I would HERE.


Awareness Campaigns

It is almost a cultural expectation that promises will be broken, in the United States and in many other places in the world. Combined with other efforts, changing this culture will require awareness campaigns.

Society needs to be reminded that promises still matter and a handshake still means something. If we can keep this thought in the minds of citizens, then maybe important promises will be kept, like quitting smoking, losing weight, or volunteering. Research from the Dominican University of California suggests that reminders are an important part of the goal achievement process. Because I said I would has reached millions of people through awareness campaigns.
See more examples here.

Viral Stories

What would you have done?
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100% of donations go directly to our charitable programs because all of our organization’s overhead expenses are covered by our Founder’s speaking engagement fees. Because I said I would® is a 501(c)(3) federally tax exempt organization. Tax EIN#: 46-1262736

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