Join the (Kate's Club): a visit by Rep Hank Johnson during National Nonprofit Week sheds light on a sense of community and beyond for those working with and through grieving

For the business week of August 12-16, 2024, the spotlight is on the nonprofit community for National Nonprofit Week (as the actual day is August 17, 2024). During this time, Representative Hank Johnson's office conducted a webinar series (August 12-15, 2024) designed to share insight and best practices regarding funding opportunities for these community-centric entities, including federal funding.

This past Friday (August 16, 2024), the Congressman pays a visit to Kate's Club to get a sense of the work they are doing.

And as a result, it provides more of a reason to provide support for the mission and purpose of the nonprofit, let alone fellow nonprofits.

During the fireside chat format, the blend of staff and families take time to not only share the story of the foundation, but their respective stories which share the "bridge" and inter-related opportunities to provide access to resources, a safe space, and a sense of community in realizing they are not alone.

Our vision is a world in which it's ok to grieve.

Operating under this defining principle, Kate's Club provides support opportunities for kids and teens, young adults, parents/caregivers, as well as schools/professionals. With a focus on empowering said audiences in facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or someone important to them, the foundation's programs and services, which include (but are not limited to) monthly support programming (Clubhouse Days), camps/retreats, and family-focused events, families can get the support and empowerment needed and realize they are not alone.

Our conversation with Executive Director Lisa Aman provides insight and key data regarding their focus areas (you may watch the full video here/below):

Since their launch in 2003, more than 10,000 bereaved children and families in Metro-Atlanta and across Georgia (mainly in Albany, Brunswick, Newnan, and Metro-Atlanta) are trained and served, and this is critical when the following data is considered:

• 1 in 11 children in Georgia are living with grief; in communities of color, the ratio is 1:8.

• Bereaved children are 5 times more likely to develop a psychiatric disorder compared to non-bereaved children.

• Grief is the most common form of childhood trauma.

• Nearly 9 out of 10 youth in the juvenile justice system experienced a death event prior to being involved with the court.

• With the right support, families can have better outcomes (when dealing with grief).

Marketing/Communications Associate Meagan Chong shares related information which speaks to the foundation's vision and story of impact (you may watch the full conversation here/below):

During the course of the chat, fellow staff and families share the positive outcomes and efforts of Kate's Club with Representative Johnson (you may watch some snapshots here/below):

While the week is about the nonprofit community, the visit by Representative Johnson makes the day one of discovery, engagement, and reaffirmation of the essential role these organizations provides across our communities. And in the case of Kate's Club, it's a reminder of their mission of empowering children and teens, their families, and young adults facing life after the death of a parent, sibling, caregiver, or someone important to them.

Providing a community in a safe and empowering space and place; it's a club worth looking into.

Notes: All photos and video are recorded via CCS LLC (click HERE to visit our Instagram). You may watch the playlist all video (click HERE). To learn more about Kate's Club, you may visit their website (click HERE for more information), including volunteer, support, donor, and related opportunities.