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What a Month!
I would like to personally thank each of you who participated in some way in The Kim Foundation’s suicide prevention month activities throughout September. When I reflect on when I began at The Kim Foundation in 2011, the progress and celebration that has grown around this important subject and month is so significant! It fills my heart for sure!
Whether you are a high school student in the Metro area who tapped into their creativity and submitted a sticker design for the contest; a large corporation or family that channeled your inner artist to participate in Chalk it Up for More Tomorrows; an attendee at our September 12th event at Steelhouse Omaha with John Ondrasik; a community partner who helped spread the message of More Tomorrows and 988; a volunteer or partner who made these things all possible; a survivor or supporter who plans to walk in AFSP’s Out of the Darkness Walk this coming Saturday; or an individual who supported a friend, family or neighbor who may have been struggling or in crisis . . . each one of you made September 2024 one to remember, and improved the health and wellness of our community.
A special thank you to The Kim Foundation staff. You ladies have worked long days, nights and weekends, to ensure our message of hope and healing hit every corner of the Omaha community, and there aren’t words to express the gratitude I feel for your tireless efforts and passion. Thank you simply isn’t enough, but . . . thank you!
The collaborative spirit I feel in our community surrounding mental health, suicide prevention, and wellness is unmatched from what I can tell from our national partners. The Omaha community has come a long way and is stronger when we work together. Our community partners help us expand our work and impact more lives, and oftentimes don’t get enough recognition for that, so please know we appreciate you and the support you provide our work and our team! We could not have such a significant impact without you!
While September was full of activity, energy, and hope, I would encourage all of us to hold on to that momentum and build from it as we move toward the end of the year and into 2025. The month of the calendar should not determine our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our community, and we hope you will continue supporting The Kim Foundation’s initiatives as we transition out of Suicide Prevention Month, and into the remainder of the year. Please know, we are here to support your family, organization, or business if you are interested in learning more about mental wellness and suicide prevention, or if you are in need of resources to start your journey toward healing. We are simply a click or phone call away! You can visit us at TheKimFoundation.org or 402.891.6911.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please call or text 988.
Julia Hebenstreit, Executive Director
Julia 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.