SpeakUp News December 2024

December 2024

Message from Missy Minton

Executive Director, CKG Foundation

Seasons Greetings CKG Family and Friends!

As the end of the year approaches, I find myself thankful for my first quarter serving as the Executive Director for the CKG Foundation. Whether it has been collaborating with the board, staff, or supporters, I am fortunate to be in the company of such compassionate and knowledgeable leaders. A big thank you to our incredible team for consistently going above and beyond to deliver outstanding results. If you have not met this amazing team, I am hopeful you will at one of many opportunities in 2025. Tara, Sarah, Melissa, Grace, Catie-Reagan, and I are dedicated to advancing the mission of this foundation in a collaborative and creative way.

2024 was highlighted by the nation’s current mental health and economic challenges. We saw a major increase in requests for programs and materials – almost 7,000 journals were distributed, and 4,200 online toolkit users were active. In addition, we had six new schools join in the SpeakUp Club movement and 28 school visits and community events combined. Our 11th annual SpeakUp5k inspired 2,000 participants and raised nearly $185,000. Our work continues with our partners at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children which houses the Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center – a navigation tool for parents looking for additional mental health resources for their children.

While the time has approached for many of us to pause and reconnect with family, friends, and most importantly… ourselves… I am encouraged by the prospects that 2025 will bring. My enthusiasm is bolstered by all of the life-changing work our people do daily. Among these new, monumental efforts are:

Brainwaves Unplugged – a monthly podcast series hosted by Grace Gallagher, CKG Chair. Monthly beginning 2025.
Self-Esteem and Body Image – our new and innovative toolkit & journal. Launching February 2025.
You Are Worth It All Teen Mental Health Festival – this inaugural program will feature area influencers and serve as a creative and fun learning environment for SpeakUp Club participants and other youth organizations involved with CKG. Coming April 2025.

Wishing you all good tidings and joy. Continue to take care of your own mental health and please let us know how we can best serve you.

We love hearing our students' "Why!"

A huge THANK YOU to the St. Catherine’s SpeakUp Club students for sharing why they SpeakUp and why their club is important to them. Each and every one of you is living out the mission and making a difference in the world!

If you’d like share why you SpeakUp for teen mental health, please share videos and testimonies with sarah@ckgfoundation.org.

Giving Tuesday

Your donation to CKG on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, will be crucial as we work towards launching our new journal, “Self-Esteem & Body Image,” aimed at empowering teens while ensuring all our programs remain free. Your generosity will play a critical role in fostering positive self-image. Thank you for considering a contribution as we wrap up the year and look forward to 2025.

Help us reach our goal of 2,000 new journals

Mental Health Education

The holiday season is upon us, bringing both excitement and a dash of stress. This time of year can be busy and overwhelming, so here’s a tip to keep your mental health in check: Create a Holiday Self-Care Routine.

Amidst the festivities and gatherings, it’s essential to carve out time for yourself. A self-care routine can help you stay grounded and enjoy the season to its fullest.

Here’s a simple plan to get started:

Schedule “Me Time”: Set aside a few moments each day for activities that recharge you—whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or enjoying a hot cocoa.
Practice Mindfulness: Try a quick meditation or deep breathing exercise to stay present and reduce stress.
Stay Active: Incorporate some physical activity into your routine, like a dance party in your living room or a winter walk.

Remember, taking care of yourself helps you better enjoy the holiday cheer and connect with loved ones. Embrace the season with a balanced approach!

2024 Program Impact Report

We are incredibly proud of the impact we've had on teens and families this year. Thinking of all the teens who are equipped with new tools and resources to face life's challenges in a positive way is what keeps us going each day.

We truly could not do this without the support of our community, and we are very grateful that you choose to partner with us. If you would like to make a year-end gift, please do so here.

Year End Giving

As you begin to consider where to invest at the end of the year, we encourage you to financially support the mission of the CKG Foundation. We're preparing the launch of a new journal, Self-Esteem and Body Image, and we need to raise $6,000 to print 2,000 journals. Together, let's equip more teens with these powerful resources!

Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

Support our Mission

You Are Not Alone. Resources Are Available.

Mental Health Resources

Cameron K. Gallagher Mental Health Resource Center

Conversations with CKG Video Recordings

Our Mission

To fulfill Cameron's dream and legacy by being a positive force that works to cultivate awareness and understanding of teen depression anxiety.

The CKG Foundation is qualified as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code: Tax ID 46-5172019. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

3200 Rockbridge Street, Suite 102

Richmond, VA 23230

info@ckgfoundation.org

www.ckgfoundation.org