Getting Involved at The Kim Foundation

The Kim Foundation has been growing in capacity and programming over the last few years. That expansion has stepped up another level in recent months and will continue to do so as we move forward. Much more of our focus is going to be on direct programming and engagement with the community around mental health and suicide prevention. Following our belief that anyone can save a life from suicide if you know the right steps to take and proper resources to connect individuals to, our hope is that we can reach even more Nebraskans with the tools to enhance prevention and early intervention implementation throughout the state.

Here are ways you can join The Kim Foundation in our work no matter if you are an individual, a large corporation, small business, faith community, school, or an interested community member.

Learn the language and warning signs. More Tomorrows is a data-driven suicide prevention awareness campaign that empowers Nebraskans to learn the warning signs and available resources, educate themselves on safe and effective ways to talk about suicide, watch videos around a variety of relevant topics, and obtain information on suicide prevention that could ultimately save a life. Visit MoreTomorrowsNE.org to learn more!

Host a presentation. A Voice for Hope & Healing is a presentation available to communities across Nebraska that provides trainings and education at no cost to interested groups. We conduct these learning experiences for any age, in any setting, and have many flexible times available to fit the needs of your group. Whether in a school, church, health system, support group, youth group, organization, or a small or large company, we will provide trainings on mental health, suicide prevention, healthy coping skills, or a combination of all of these important topics. To learn more or schedule a presentation, click here.

Volunteer on the LOSS Team. If you are a suicide survivor (someone who has lost a loved one to suicide) or a clinician, you could volunteer on our Metro Area Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team. This group consists of dedicated, passionate volunteers who go out and meet with family members and loved ones who have recently lost someone to suicide. This is an invaluable resource in our community where The Kim Foundation partners with local law enforcement agencies and our amazing volunteers to provide this service to our community at no cost. Learn more about LOSS here.

Volunteer and make a difference. There are a number of ways that you can volunteer with The Kim Foundation. No matter your level of expertise or areas of interest, there is definitely a place for you to share your passion and experience with The Kim Foundation. To learn more about you can get involved in our impactful work click here.

Financially support our mission-driven work. Whether it’s attending or sponsoring our fall event, A Time for Hope & Healing, on September 20^th featuring Jon Gordon, or making a general donation to support a specific program or our overall work, each contribution makes a significant difference in helping us move beyond awareness about mental health and suicide, into action that will make lasting change in our community and state.

EmPOWER the youth of the Metro area. With many different community partners, The Kim Foundation will be hosting the second annual EmPOWER Youth Summit on October 19^th at the Bellevue Christian Center. Last year’s summit was such an incredible success, we knew we needed to make this an annual event. It provides youth a safe and healthy place to join with peers from across the community to gain insight into a variety of wellness topics, and learn to advocate for themselves or others. We are in need of volunteers, sponsors, vendor booths, content experts, and supporters to make this event a success again this year. Learn how you can get involved here.

Join the Metro Area Suicide Prevention Coalition (MASPC). The Kim Foundation hosts a monthly meeting for MASPC that brings together a variety of community members from all areas of our community to create and implement suicide prevention initiatives in our community. Members do not need any experience or background in the topic area, simply a passion for saving lives and making a difference in our community. Learn how you can join here.

These are just a few ways that you can join in our work and make a difference in our community. To learn more about what is happening at The Kim Foundation or to obtain more information on any of our work please visit TheKimFoundation.org today or give us a call at 402.891.6911.

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.