The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently awarded Emily’s Hope the South Dakota Fund grant to expand the number of schools teaching prevention curriculum in grades K-5, as well as develop lessons for middle and high school students. The goal of the curriculum is to educate children on the dangers of substance abuse, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices. The $30,000 grant will be paid over three years.
"We are incredibly grateful for the South Dakota Community Foundation's generous support, which will play a critical role in broadening the reach of Emily's Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum to K-5 schools across our state. This grant isn't just a financial contribution; it's an investment in the health, well-being, and future of our children and communities. Through this partnership, we are one step closer to dismantling the stigma associated with substance use disorder and empowering our young generation with the knowledge they need to make life-saving choices," Angela Kennecke, President & CEO of Emily's Hope.
Emily's Hope was formed by Angela Kennecke following the 2018 fentanyl poisoning of her 21-year-old daughter. The Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. The curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. By fostering open communication between children, parents, and educators, the goal is to create a supportive environment that promotes well-being and resilience.
“The impact of Emily’s Hope in providing our young people with the knowledge and tools to make healthy choices is really something to take pride in,” says Ginger Niemann, SDCF Senior Program Officer. “SDCF is honored to support Emily’s Hope in turning suffering and sadness into a positive platform to make forever change.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/grants
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers 1,200 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $30 million in grants in 2022 which made a tremendous difference in communities statewide. This would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors. If you have a specific cause you would like to support or would prefer to give for the general good of our state, please visit https://sdcommunityfoundation.org/giving to learn more or call 1-800-888-1842.