Our History

The Story of Shelby Cain

Suicidal Thoughts

On December 15th, 2009, we lost our oldest son, Shelby Cain, to suicide.

Shelby was a talented young man that had a passion for racing, art, photography, and “the car scene.” He was full of life and loved by many. However, he also found himself in a very lonely place, struggling with depression. Like many others, he came to the sad conclusion that ending his life was the only way to stop the hurting he felt inside.

How could we not have known that our own son had reached such a dark place? As his parents, we should have done more to prevent this tragedy!

This is exactly why we started Shelby’s Way. We could think of no better way to honor our son’s life than by touching the lives of others and bringing awareness to the prevention of suicide.

Like Shelby, when someone is thinking about suicide, it’s not likely that they will just come out and tell you. By bringing awareness to the prevention of suicide, our foundation hopes to change mindsets and spread the word about how to look for signs of trouble. By taking the time to listen to your friends, family members, or even complete strangers, you may be able to help prevent another tragedy. Through fellowship, sincerity, and taking the time to love one another, we believe that suicide can sometimes be prevented!

We have taken to the streets and started spreading our message through The love of racing and Hot Rodding that we shared with Shelby! The Shelby’s Racin’ for a Purpose is a local Drag Racing Shootout that we hold at Mountain Park Dragway in Clay City, KY. We also decided that while attending local cruise in’s, car shows or even larger National automotive events that the Shelby’s Hot Rod Roundup would be a way of also involving the talented show crowd. Through these events an merchandise sales,we are raising the money needed to continue spreading our message an start giving Back to the community.

Speaking of giving back, Shelby’s Way wants to help individuals right here in our local Central Kentucky communities. While our government and other local organizations do a lot to help those in desperate need, sometimes the “smaller” financial problems in life go unnoticed. Struggling financially to meet basic needs can often lead to the depression and loneliness that develops into bigger problems. Hopefully, our foundation, through working with local churches, can help reach someone who needs a helping hand to get back on their feet before the situation becomes more desperate.

Take the time to listen, love each other, and we’ll see you at the track or cruising to the show!

Core Values

Bringing Awareness To Suicide Prevention

Shelby’s Way is a Kentucky based 501c3 non-profit organization that brings awareness to suicide prevention by ending the stigma of discussing mental health. We believe that through community fellowship, honest open discussions with our peers and general love for our neighbors, we can decrease depression and make this world a better place to live. Thank you for making a difference and helping us assist our clients.

God Loves You

God loves you, and so do we. Regardless of who you are or what you’ve done, God’s love transcends all things including your failures. You are loved!

Your Life Matters

Life matters regardless of circumstances. We are devoted to helping those in all walks of life and helping them understand they have value in this world.

You Have Purpose

Everyone has a purpose. In this world, you have unique personality, skills and talents that are needed even if you don’t believe it. Your impact matters.

Suicide is Preventable

We believe that through love, community, friends, family and proper mental healthcare, we can make a difference and prevent suicide.

Community Matters

You are not alone, and you should not be alone. We believe talking to friends and participating in community over isolation greatly increases our joy in life.

End The Stigma

Sharing your thoughts and feelings to friends, counselors and small groups can make a difference. We aim to #EndTheStigma of talking about mental health.

Our Mission

Ways We Help The Community

Financial Assistance

We financially help with everyday needs to give people a second chance.

Mental Health Access

We financially assist with mental healthcare services to those that can’t afford it.

Funeral Assistance

We pay for funeral expenses when the tragedy of suicide occurs.

Community Events

We organize events & educational programs to share about suicide prevention.

American Red Cross

Hero of the Year Award

Shelby’s Way and Mark Cain were nominated, and won, the American Red Cross Heroes of the Year award for 2018. This video and interview by Amber Philpott of WKYT explains a little about what our non-profit ministry is about. We are humbled and honored to have been a part of this process and to be the winner of this years recognition. It’s our hope that it will help us continue to spread awareness for suicide prevention and help others with mental health. #EndTheStigma

The Story of Shelby’s Way

Mark Cain’s Journey

Watch this video as Mark Cain tells the story of Shelby Cain and his passing by suicide in 2009. We don’t share this just to share the story alone, but to honor Shelby and to help others with what they may be going through in their lives, with their loved ones or even their loved ones who have been lost by suicide. It’s a topic generally unspoken, as nobody wants to discuss suicide or mental health. Shelby’s Way hopes to help end the stigma by going first in telling this story so others may have the courage to talk about their mental health, and if needed, receive help.

Mark has taken this tragedy in his family’s lives, and started this non-profit to bring awareness to suicide prevention. Shelby’s Way not only educates and informs, but through events, the organization raises money to help clients with everyday financial needs, mental health care and medicine along with funds to help families bury their loved ones lost by suicide. Through the spirit of community and fellowship, we can prevent another tragic loss and end the stigma of discussing the difficult topics of suicide and our own well being!