The Metro Area Loss Team: A Lifeline for Suicide Survivors

At The Kim Foundation, we are incredibly fortunate to have a group of dedicated and compassionate volunteers who play a fundamental role in our mission: the Metro Area Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors Team, or the LOSS Team. These individuals are not just volunteers; they are people who have experienced the unimaginable—the loss of a loved one to suicide. Their personal journey through grief and healing has driven them to reach out to others who find themselves in similar heart-wrenching circumstances.

The LOSS Team offers vital peer support to those grieving the loss of a loved one to suicide. Comprised of approximately 25 active members, they serve the Metro Omaha area, providing a compassionate presence and offering hope to those who are struggling with the overwhelming weight of their grief. Their work is essential in helping us fulfill our mission of being a supportive resource and a compassionate voice for those impacted by mental illness and suicide.

How the LOSS Team Helps: Offering Support in Times of Tragedy

When local law enforcement notifies The Kim Foundation of a suicide, the foundation reaches out to the next-of-kin with a packet of information to offer initial guidance and support. The LOSS Team then makes a personal connection by calling the bereaved to offer a visit, extending a hand of support during one of the most difficult times anyone can experience.

As Dr. Frank Campbell, the creator of the LOSS Team, describes, the goal is to “offer support to the bereaved after the traumatic event of suicide.” During these visits, which typically last 60 to 90 minutes, a small group—composed of both volunteers and a clinician—meets with the survivors. They provide emotional support, listening, and practical resources to help the survivors take their first steps toward healing.

These visits, while not intended as counseling, offer essential hope, coping strategies, and resources for the grieving family. The LOSS Team is not meant to replace professional therapy but to offer initial comfort and connection, guiding the survivors toward support groups and further resources as they continue their healing journey.

A Team That Adapts: Volunteering with the LOSS Team

The LOSS Team is always evolving and adapting to better serve our community. We’re constantly seeking passionate volunteers who are either suicide survivors (those who have lost someone to suicide) or Licensed Mental Health Practitioners. Volunteers don’t need to commit to a full-time schedule. We hold one hour-and-a-half meeting each month, and volunteers can self-select which call-outs they’d like to join based on their availability and comfort level.

How You Can Get Involved

We are endlessly grateful to our LOSS Team members for their selflessness and dedication. They donate their time and energy to provide a crucial lifeline to those who need it most, and their efforts are deeply appreciated by everyone at The Kim Foundation.

If you’re interested in becoming part of this incredible group and helping others on their journey of healing, fill out an application or reach out to Kerri Armstrong for more information.

Contact Kerri:
📞 402.891.6911
📧 karmstrong@thekimfoundation.org

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by suicide, providing hope and healing when it’s needed most.