2017: A Year in Pictures

As the year winds down, we take a look back to be grateful for all the wonderful events and people we encountered. While The Kim Foundation celebrated many great moments I could write about, pictures do what words cannot. Here are a few memories:

In March, our participation in AFSP’s 2017 Day at the Capitol connected us to Senator Hilkemann. There, The Kim Foundation and Boys Town National Hotline were able to share mental health statistics, local efforts to combat stigma, and suicide prevention programs in our state. Thank you to Senator Hilkemann for taking the time to have a conversation; your support means so much!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also in March, Nebraska LOSS teams came together for their half day conference, United to Support Survivors of Suicide Loss. Dr. Frank Campbell, creator of the LOSS postvention model, shared his experiences and knowledge of suicidology. A panel of suicide survivors and law enforcement provided the community a chance to talk with those who have dealt with or have worked closely with suicide. Thank you to everyone who attended and who has helped in making strides to support our community after a suicide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s a fun one of me hanging out with some Star Wars characters at the April CHI Community Health Fair!

 

 

 

 

 

Burke invited The Kim Foundation to be part of an after-play panel at the school’s spring play: The Girl in the Mirror. After the show, the parents and students in attendance had the chance to ask questions related to the play’s content of teen suicidal thoughts and actions.

 

 

 

 

 

Papillion LaVista Schools hosted a Facebook Live event aimed at parents as well as students to start the conversation about depression and suicide. The discussion involved tips on how to talk to a friend or child in need, where to turn to for support, and suicide warning signs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year we were able to partner with Great Plains Motion Picture Company to film our newest PSA (which you can find on our website as well as WOWT and local movie theaters). What a fun day of filming! A huge thanks goes out to the entire crew of GPMP!

 

 

 

 

 

The momentum continued into the summer with Maha Music Festival at Aksarben. We provided resources along with lanyards, fidget spinners, and a giant Connect Four game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brownell Talbot invited parents to an informational session on suicide. A panel discussion followed where survivors were able to share their story of loss and answer any questions.

 

 

 

 

 

The Kim Foundation was once again the lead funder for Bryan Medical Center’s National Mental Health Awareness Week in October which featured the Emmy-winning actor Joey Pantoliano. Those in attendance had a chance to hear “The Sopranos” star’s journey through depression and addiction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Veny joined The Kim Foundation in October at the annual luncheon: A Time for Hope and Healing. His story of mental health and musical recovery was just the beginning! Attendees helped create marvelous melodies with thunder sticks and tambourines while Mike played his drum. Also, the first ever Spirit of Courage Awards were given to the responding officers who helped save the life of a man who was in crisis and attempting suicide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It has been a spectacular year looking back at all the photos and seeing just how much The Kim Foundation has to be thankful for. To all in these pictures as well as those who attended the mentioned events, thank you for all you do. We could not do any of this without your support and care for the community!

 

Janae Shillito, Project Coordinator, The Kim Foundation
Janae Shillito is the newest edition to The Kim Foundation and serves as Project Coordinator. She holds two science degrees with her alma maters including the University of Nebraska at Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Janae’s love of volunteering and helping those without a voice created a strong desire to become a part of the non-profit world. She enjoys instructing kickboxing classes, reading a good book, and being outside with her husband, Cory, and Rottweiler, Hank.