We were honored to be asked to speak at the Clandestine Laboratory Investigators Association (CLIA)

conference in Omaha!

Last week, our organization, Become Their Voice had the distinct honor of presenting at the Clandestine Laboratory Investigators Association (CLIA) conference in Omaha, Nebraska. This opportunity allowed us to not only highlight the critical role CLIA members play in investigations but also to explore the broader impact their work has on the families affected. We discussed how these investigations can deeply affect the lives of both the families and the investigators themselves.

Our goal was to emphasize that while the work they do is essential, it’s equally vital to recognize its profound impact on those directly involved. We focused on ways investigators might help mitigate the trauma experienced by families, as well as how their own emotional well-being can be supported throughout the process. Additionally, we touched on the challenges faced by first responders and the long-term effects their work may have on them.

We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated professionals and are eager to continue working alongside these organizations to make a lasting difference. 

Please help us welcome Melissa Burke to the

 Become Their Voice team!

Melissa Burke

Director of Mission & Outreach

Melissa Burke is an experienced accountant with over 12 years in the field. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from William Penn University and has built a career grounded in precision, resilience, and purpose.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Melissa is the proud mother of six beautiful children who inspire her daily to lead with strength and compassion. Melissa’s journey is one of survival and triumph. She grew up surrounded by family trauma, drug addiction, and time in foster care. Against all odds, she built a life of stability and success, using her past not as a weight, but as a reason to rise.

Her mission became deeply personal after the devastating loss of her sister, Marissa, who passed away on December 12, 2024, after a long and painful battle with addiction and mental health struggles.

Marissa’s story is a constant reminder of how much work still needs to be done. In her memory, Melissa now dedicates herself to being a voice for the voiceless—advocating for awareness, recovery, and compassion for individuals and families impacted by addiction and trauma.

When it Hurts - This may be JUST the video you need TODAY!

Key dates and themes for 2025

• National Suicide Prevention Week: September 7–13, 2025.
• World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD): September 10, 2025.
• The theme for 2025 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide," encouraging open and compassionate conversation to challenge myths and reduce stigma.
• 988 Day: September 8, 2025.This initiative focuses on raising awareness of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as a resource for mental health and suicide prevention.
• National Physician Suicide Awareness Day: September 17, 2025.
• National Law Enforcement Suicide Awareness Day: September 26, 2025. 

Themes and initiatives from major organizations:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Throughout the month, NAMI encourages people to "Start a Conversation. Be the Difference" to build connections and inspire hope.
• National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: This organization uses the hashtag #SPM25 to unify social media content and messaging throughout September.
• U.S. Army: The Army's 2025 theme is "We Are Stronger Together. Connect to Protect," which emphasizes the importance of strong relationships in countering suicide risk.
• To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA): The organization's campaign aims to fundraise for mental health care and reminds people, "We need you here".
• International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP): Along with the World Health Organization (WHO), the IASP promotes the World Suicide Prevention Day theme, urging governments and communities to prioritize suicide prevention policies. 

September is recognized as National Recovery Month, a national observance established in 1989 to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for mental health and substance use disorders. The goal of Recovery Month is to raise understanding and awareness of these challenges, reduce the stigma associated with them, and celebrate the recovery community and the support systems that help people heal. 

Key aspects of National Recovery Month:

• Celebration and Hope:
• It's a time to highlight the positive outcomes of treatment and to show that recovery is possible for everyone. 
• Raising Awareness:
• The observance aims to educate the public about the disease of addiction, the process of recovery, and the various forms of help available. 
• Reducing Stigma:
• By openly sharing stories and promoting understanding, the month works to eliminate the stigma that prevents many individuals from seeking help. 
• Community Involvement:
• Individuals, communities, and organizations come together to support those in recovery, offer referrals, and advocate for improved services. 
• Focus on the Four Dimensions of Recovery:
• The month often highlights the interconnected aspects of recovery, which include: 
• Health: Striving for wellness and making healthy choices. 
• Home: The need for safe, stable, and affordable housing. 
• Purpose: Finding meaning in daily activities, employment, or creative pursuits. 
• Community: Building meaningful connections and social support.

See the person, not the addiction

We would love to speak to your students and faculty.

Each presentation is tailored to your needs.

We bring diverse content and additional presenters for engagement!

KNOW a child in crisis that needs help? Or a parent that is struggling with their teen and needs resources? Scroll down to see a list!

Pain Into Purpose: Our Story...

EVENTS IN IOWA

September Events

3rd Annual Iowa Recovery Conference

• A one-day in-person event featuring local and national speakers focused on substance use recovery.
• When: September 3, 2025
• Where: West Des Moines Marriott

2025 Mental Health Summit: Iowa’s Path Forward

• A two-day learning event on mental health policies, care, and community support.
• When: September 11–12, 2025

Recovery Festival (Your Life Iowa)

• Family-friendly event with live music, speakers, food trucks, and activities celebrating recovery.
• When: September 13, 2025, 12–9 PM

Together We Light The Way Color Run

• A fun, uplifting community event raising awareness and support for substance use recovery.
• When: September 20, 2025, 5–7 PM

Make It OK Ambassador Training

• Free online training to become an ambassador promoting mental health stigma reduction.
• When: September 19, 2025, 9–11 AM CDT

QPR Suicide Prevention Training (General)

• Virtual training teaching the “Question, Persuade, Refer” model for suicide prevention.
• Dates:
• September 8, 2025, 11–12:30 PM CDT
• September 24, 2025, 3–4:30 PM CDT

“Make It OK to Talk about Mental Illness” Presentations

• Community campaign presentations aimed at reducing stigma around mental illness.
• Dates:
• September 9, 2025, 9–10 AM CDT
• September 18, 2025, 11–12 PM CDT

Upcoming Events: October

EmpowerED Minds: The School Wellness Summit

• A major conference uniting educators and mental health professionals to support student wellness.
• When: September 30 – October 1, 2025 (mostly held in early October)
• Where: Des Moines, Iowa Events Center

15th Annual Healthiest State Walk

• A statewide walking event to promote mental and physical well-being. Family activities included.
• When: October 1, 2025
• 15th Annual Healthiest State Walk Celebration Event
• Community gathering with walk celebration, live music, and games at Water Works Park.
• When: October 1, 2025, 5–7 PM

Make It OK: Mental Illness & Substance Use Presentation

• A free virtual session tackling stigma surrounding both mental illness and substance use disorders.
• When: October 15, 2025, 8–9 AM CDT

QPR Suicide Prevention Training

• Another round of free virtual suicide prevention training via QPR.
• Dates:
• October 14, 2025, 11 AM–12:30 PM CDT
• October 28, 2025, 6–7:30 PM CDT

NAMI Southwest Iowa — Hope Illuminated Gala

• A heartfelt in-person event raising awareness and funds for mental health support.
• When: October 11, 2025
• Where: Cass County Community Center

If your organization has an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our newsletter, please contact us.

Why Donate?





Make a lasting impact.

Your donation directly supports initiatives that raise awareness about the connection between mental health and substance abuse, helping to prevent tragedies and support those in need as well as their families.

Support a meaningful cause.

Funds go towards education, advocacy, and outreach programs that provide resources to individuals and families affected by mental health and addictive challenges. This includes grants, scholarships, and funding to bridge the gap for recovery programs. Click on the link below for full details.

Tax-Deductible contribution.



As a 501(c)(3) non profit, donations to the the Sebastian Kidd Foundation are tax-deductible, allowing you to support a vital cause while receiving potential tax benefits.

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Contact Us

Email: DericAndKathyKidd@BecomeTheirVoice.org

Website: BecomeTheirVoice.org