[SIOUX FALLS, 11/03/23] – Emily’s Hope, a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder and providing financial assistance for treatment, is thrilled to announce that it has received a three-year, $30,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation. This generous funding will be pivotal in expanding the reach of Emily’s Hope Grades K-5 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum to more schools across the state of South Dakota.
Angela Kennecke, the founder of Emily’s Hope, said, “This grant is a monumental step in our continuous journey to impact lives positively and educate our youth about the dangers of substance use. We are incredibly thankful to the South Dakota Community Foundation for their trust and partnership in this important mission.”
Proven Effectiveness of the K-5 Curriculum
A pilot study has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Grades K-5 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum developed by Emily’s Hope. The study reveals that a well-designed curriculum can significantly enhance elementary schoolers’ knowledge about personal health, brain functions, safe medication use, and the potential harms of substance use. Given the increasing challenges posed by substance use and its repercussions, early educational interventions like this curriculum are pivotal. The grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation will enable this vital educational tool to reach a wider audience and make a lasting impact on South Dakota’s youth.
“As we face increasing challenges due to substance use disorder and deadly fentanyl in the illicit drug supply. It is essential that we empower our young people with the knowledge and resources they need to make healthy choices,” said Kennecke. “This grant will go a long way in helping us to achieve that goal.”
About the South Dakota Community Foundation
The South Dakota Community Foundation works to simplify philanthropy and help charitable donations do more good within our state. Like Emily’s Hope, the foundation is committed to improving South Dakota for generations to come. The SDCF manages nearly $800 million in assets for more than 1,100 endowed funds. We also provide grant and administrative support to nonprofit organizations and serve as a philanthropic resource for donors, advisors, and nonprofits throughout South Dakota.
