Hope

Each September, we celebrate National Suicide Prevention Month. We continue to see too many lives being lost to suicide in our country, and in our community. We know that suicide can seem like a scary, heavy topic – and it is. But by shining a light on this important topic, and approaching it with a hopeful message, we know that we can save lives. By supporting loved ones or colleagues who may be struggling; by asking someone how they’re doing; checking in; offering a kind word or smile; letting someone know they are not alone and that there is hope and healing… all of these things can save a life. We encourage you to focus on that as we approach one of the most important months of the year.

The Kim Foundation’s mission is to serve as a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness and suicide. September is the month where we draw more attention to the suicide prevention component of our mission, but we provide hope and education all year around suicide, mental health, self-care, coping skills, conversations, and resources. We are taking this opportunity to bring the community together to create a movement and shared passion for spreading love, hope, and positivity, while supporting those in need.

This year you can join us in our celebrations through numerous opportunities. During National Suicide Prevention Week (September 8 – 14) you can help us blanket the community with positive and hopeful messages and images on any paved space. On sidewalks, driveways, parking lots . . . grab some sidewalk chalk and let your creativity shine! Our hope is by providing Chalk it Up for More Tomorrows to our community, we will create a culture of open conversation, connectivity, and positivity. We never know who is struggling or feeling alone. You could save the life of someone who sees a message of hope when they may need it most.

We will also be doing our second annual high school sticker design contest allowing the youth of our community to highlight their creativity and passion by designing a sticker that speaks to the hope we want others to feel, and the importance of an open conversation about suicide prevention. The winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card and their own stickers to hand out to friends, classmates, and family!

You can also join us on September 12^th to hear music and storytelling by John Ondrasik, of Five for Fighting, at Steelhouse Omaha. Purchase tickets now for an evening of celebration and community!

We will continue our education, training, and year-long outreach work, but these are just a few special ways you can join the fight to save lives from suicide this September. While this month provides us an elevated platform, and we hope you will join us in shining a light in our community, we also hope that you continue these efforts of hope, positivity and support even after the calendar page has turned.

If you or someone you know is struggling call or text 988 at any time to be connected to a trained crisis counselor for support.