Exciting Upcoming Events

Over the last two weeks I hope you’ve seen the exciting updates that have come out from The Kim Foundation regarding two exciting events coming up in 2021. One you’ll have to wait a bit longer for is our annual A Time for Hope & Healing Luncheon on November 4^th. We are so honored to host Zak Williams, son of Robin Williams, for our 20^th Anniversary luncheon! While many of you are familiar with Zak’s terrible loss of his father to suicide, not as many know of Zak’s journey to healing and recovery through his grief and own personal mental illness. He has a moving and powerful story that we are so excited to showcase for our anniversary luncheon. More information will be released as the date gets closer so make sure to watch the website: https://www.thekimfoundation.org/annual-event/.

Coming sooner in June, with our Steering Committee partners, we’ve lined up an incredible line up for the Nebraska School Mental Health Conference (NSMHC) which will take place June 2^nd & 3^rd. While we are hoping for an in-person event at the Embassy Suites La Vista, we know that with the pandemic the likelihood of that happening may be small, but we are still holding out hope! There is also the possibility of a blended conference model or virtual.

We have 3 – well actually 4 because of a dynamic tag team! – keynote speakers lined up who are sure to resonate with the audience, as well as more than 50 breakouts sessions by local experts and professionals. It is going to be an exciting two days! First up we have Mike Veny, who will be certain to get the crowd moving through his motivational and inspirational message. Mike has been a friend of the foundation for a few years and he never disappoints! He has presented to thousands of school personnel over the years and his presentation will move past simply educating an audience to providing you with actionable steps you can take to change your life and work environment!

We will also be hosting the amazing Laura van Dernoot Lipsky! For those of you who have never heard her, I assure you that you’re in for a treat! Laura serves as the Founder and Director of the Trauma Stewardship Institute and is the author of Trauma Stewardship and The Age of Overwhelm. She is widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of trauma exposure, and has been around the world in this field for more than three decades. Much of her work focuses on being invited to assist in the aftermath of community catastrophes – whether they are fatal storms or mass shootings, but she also has expertise and experience around many other topics. After 2020, and as 2021 goes on, I think she will have so much relevant content for our attendees and can’t wait to welcome her to Omaha!

We are going to close out the conference with a dynamic mother son duo, Adam and Carson Molle. They will be coming to us form a small Midwest town of Seymour, WI. Four years ago, their lives changed dramatically when at just 14 years old Carson attempted suicide. Despite traumatic circumstances Carson fortunately lived to share his story. He was left with significant physical injuries, as well as emotional and psychological trauma. In the face of this difficult situation Carson and his family decided early on that they were going to share their journey in order to help others. Their story is so powerful, and we are honored to host them at NSMHC this year. Bring your tissues for sure!

For more information on this exciting conference please visit: https://www.thekimfoundation.org/nebraska-school-mental-health-conference-keynote-speakers-2020/.

Julia Hebenstreit, Executive Director of The Kim Foundation

Julia Hebenstreit is the Executive Director of The Kim Foundation. She received her J.D. from Creighton University in 2005, and her BS in Journalism from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2002. She has been with The Kim Foundation since 2011, and prior to that worked for local non-profits doing development, strategic planning, communications and advancement. She has a passion for helping people and improving lives, and serves on the Executive Committee for Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations, as the 2015 Hill Day State Captain for the state of Nebraska, and as an active member of the Nebraska Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Early Childhood Mental Health Coalition, BHECN Advisory Committee, RESPECT Advisory Board, Connections Advisory Board and the Project Propel Planning Group.