Between expansion and events, Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention has been busy.

The Emporia-nonprofit won a Kansas Suicide Prevention Community Grant during the summer. Melissa Owen, Beacon For Hope Executive Director, said that the grant will go towards expanding Beacon for Hope’s reach into Southeast Kansas.

Owens plans to use the grant to create resources targeting youth, from 13 to 24, in 13 counties.

“If we can get resources in the hands of youth, then maybe we can prevent a crisis later,” Owen said. “Our concentration is high schools, the community colleges, our technical college, and Emporia State and Pittsburgh State.”

Resources include access and education surrounding the 988 hotline, a suicide crisis hotline out of Lawrence. Owen hopes to educate students and educators alike

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