Kappa Kappa Gamma Embarks on New Philanthropic Purpose Focusing on Mental Health and Well-being

DUBLIN, Ohio (Aug. 26, 2021) — Today, Kappa Kappa Gamma is announcing a shift in its  philanthropic program as a powerful new way to live fully in the service of others by becoming  advocates for mental health and well-being. Kappa members will unite to educate, raise  awareness, and reduce the stigma around mental health and well-being through fundraising  and service.

This pivotal change was inspired by Kappa’s membership recognizing the need for more mental  health and well-being support for everyone.

“One in five Americans and one in five Canadians face a mental health challenge each year,”  said Fraternity President Gail Owen. “Those aren’t just numbers. Those are our members, our  family, our friends, our neighbors. Our members really brought this opportunity to the  forefront, inspiring us to join together to address this pressing societal need that is deeply  impacting everyone.”

Kappa is partnering with established organizations that are working to effectively address these  topics and needs with compassion, authenticity and respect. Moving forward, Kappa is pleased  to work with:

• Active Minds: Active Minds is the leading nonprofit in the United States working to end the silence and change the culture around mental health by mobilizing the next generation.
• The Jed Foundation (JED): The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for the nation’s teens and young adults. They’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen programming, services, and systems related to mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention. JED also equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. They encourage community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health.
• Mental Health America (MHA): Mental Health America (MHA) is the nation’s leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and promoting the overall mental health of all. MHA’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of overall wellness.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives.
• The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA): The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA supports individuals and families affected by eating disorders and serves as a catalyst for prevention, cures and access to quality care.
• Jack.org: Jack.org is Canada’s only charity training and empowering young leaders to revolutionize mental health in every province and territory.

*All our selected partners are non-profit, 501(c3) organizations. Jack.org is a Canadian registered T3010 organization.

“These organizations are already doing incredible work to ensure everyone’s mental health is a  key part of their overall health,” said Philanthropy Director Lisa Breen. “With our new  philanthropy program, we will work together to help everyone we serve understand and  embrace the role of mental health and well-being in their own lives.”

With the support and partnership of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Foundation, collegiate chapters  and alumnae associations will be able to financially contribute to these partners. The Kappa  Foundation also supports Kappas on their mental health and well-being journey by funding  educational programming in this space.

“As Kappas, we believe in inspiring positive change and helping each other and our  communities thrive,” said Foundation President Susanne Vander Heyden. “It takes all of us  working together to impact the lives of our members and our communities, so everyone can  live their best possible life.”

This is the latest in a series of steps Kappa has been taking to increase its focus on mental  health and well-being among its memberships and the communities in which they live. In May,  Kappa announced a partnership with Talkspace, an online platform that makes it convenient to  access mental health resources and paves the way for accessible mental health care. To avoid  cost barriers for members, the Kappa Foundation provided a grant that makes the service free  of charge to collegiate members and provides a discount to alumna members. This tool is in addition to the mental health screening tool available to all members and friends of Kappa via  kappa.org. Under Kappa Edge, a lifelong learning program, and its Courage to Commit harm prevention series, members gain a foundational understanding of mental health and well being, its role in overall health, and how to support their own and others’ mental health and  well-being journey.

“We have over 220,000 members dedicated to living fully in the service of others,” Gail said. “We hope to trailblaze a clear path for our members to effectively care for their own mental  health and well-being while also contributing to the mental health and well-being of others — a  virtuous cycle to support one another that fulfills our mission and upholds our values.”

About Kappa Kappa Gamma  

For more than 150 years, Kappa Kappa Gamma has provided leadership opportunities,  educational programs, and, most importantly, the unwavering support of loyal sisters to help  members dream boldly and live fully. With over 140 active chapters in the U.S. and Canada,  more than 235 alumnae associations around the world, and more than 307,000 initiated  members since its founding, Kappa empowers women to pursue their potential. The Kappa  Kappa Gamma Foundation delivers educational and leadership training, preserves the  Fraternity’s heritage, provides scholarships, and offers financial assistance to members in need.  For more information about the Fraternity or its Foundation, visit kappa.org.

Ashley Moyer
Kappa Kappa Gamma
614-228-6515
comdirector@kappa.org