After eight years of substantive and relevant work within New Hampshire and Massachusetts, the founders and board of directors of Keep Sound Minds (KSM) have made the decision to dissolve the foundation and end outreach and other efforts in the near future.
Based in New Hampshire, the nonprofit charity was founded in 2008 by Danielle and Ken Lambert after the tragic and untimely deaths of their children and Danielle’s sister. KSM’s main goals included mental health awareness, often focusing on suicide prevention projects and programs. Over the past eight years, KSM has worked alongside many quality charitable mental health and advocacy groups. As such, KSM will be donating their remaining net assets to Minding Your Mind, as well as the following like-minded organizations:
Samaritans of Greater Boston: Samaritans has been providing compassionate suicide prevention programs for 40 years. Samaritans’ mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide by alleviating despair, isolation, distress and suicidal feelings among individuals in the Greater Boston community, 24 hours a day; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to reduce the stigma associated with suicide.
The Connor’s Climb Foundation: The mission of The Connor’s Climb Foundation (CCF) is to provide educational programs directed toward preventing suicide. It does this by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and equipping youth, educators, and communities with tools and resources focused on the vulnerable age group of 10-24 year olds.
Treatment Advocacy Center: the Treatment Advocacy Center is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers to the timely and effective treatment of severe mental illness. The organization promotes laws, policies, and practices for the delivery of psychiatric care and supports the development of innovative treatments for and research into the causes of severe and persistent psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
“There is a time for everything, in life and in organizations, and we feel that now is the right time to dissolve Keep Sound Minds,” states co-founder Ken Lambert. “While there is still much to do in the realm of mental health awareness and education, Danielle and I, along with our board of directors, feel strongly that KSM made a positive impact in our communities. We want to sincerely thank all of the volunteers, supporters, and donors that have enabled KSM to exist and thrive all these years. It takes a lot to run a charity, but we know that we helped many people over the course of our work. We would not trade this experience, as we have met and spoken to many wonderful people.”
The KSM website and Facebook page will remain up and running for a short time, providing updates on programs provided by Minding Your Mind and the other organizations listed above.
Lambert has been named to the Massachusetts Advisory Board for Minding Your Mind, an organization whose mission it is to provide mental health education that can break the silence and end the stigma and destructive behaviors associated with mental health issues. “We are honored that Ken has chosen us to continue Danielle’s and his legacy of mental health education and suicide prevention in Massachusetts,” says Trish Larsen, executive director for Minding Your Mind. “Ken will be an incredible guide for us with his thoughtful insight and passion to ensure the youth of today have the understanding to change the world of tomorrow.”
Minding Your Mind is hosting a “Meet Minding Your Mind” event on November 16, 2016, 7:00PM at the Newton Free Library. This event is open to the public and will feature a panel discussion with Lambert and Minding Your Mind young adult speakers.