Crucial Support for Suicide Prevention
June 10, 2021 // South Dakota Fund Grants
“The SDCF grant is essential and timely for the launch of SPEAK Network’s Safe Zone, a crucial support mechanism for persons at risk of suicide.”
Tamara Keefner, Executive Director, SPEAK Network
Located in Rapid City, SPEAK Network’s focus is on suicide prevention through personal empowerment, community action and knowledge development. They bridge the gap experienced by persons at risk for suicide between in and outpatient care. An 8-week pilot program of the Safe Zone support groups using the Positive Psychology Toolkit will be implemented in Rapid City.
The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) provided a $20,000 South Dakota Fund grant to the Network. This grant will help defray the costs of support group educational materials and provide monetary compensation for a skilled professional to lead the groups along with associated operational expenses.
“The SDCF grant is essential and timely for the launch of SPEAK Network’s Safe Zone, a crucial support mechanism for persons at risk of suicide”, said Tamara Keefner, Executive Director, SPEAK Network. “The Safe Zone will positively impact persons who have survived a suicide attempt or struggle with suicidal thoughts by promoting confidence, support, validation, connection, healing and empathy.”
“The personal isolation associated with the current pandemic has further compounded the public health suicide crisis”, said Ginger Niemann, Senior Program Officer, SDCF. “We are so pleased to offer our support for this public health initiative.”
To learn more about funding opportunities offered by the SDCF, please visit our website at https://www.sdcommunityfoundation.org/
About the SDCF
SDCF is a public non-profit organization established in 1987. SDCF, with offices in Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen administers over 1050 funds benefiting hundreds of charitable organizations annually. The Foundation distributed nearly $18 million in grants in 2020 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.