About Emily’s Hope
Stopping Stigma.
Saving Lives.
Our Mission: Emily’s Hope is dedicated to removing the stigma of substance use disorder through awareness, education, and prevention; and removing financial barriers for treatment and recovery.
2024 Annual Report
A Year of Impact: Removing Barriers, Spreading Hope
How Emily’s Hope Started
Emily’s family was devastated that they were not able to get her help in time.
In the face of her grief, Angela Kennecke vowed that she would do anything she could, in Emily’s name, to prevent other families from going through such a loss.
A new treatment center was being built in their community. Angela inquired about starting a fund to help offset the cost of treatment for substance use disorder.
After the fund was established, Angela went public with Emily’s story.
People throughout the country have rallied behind our mission and have been essential to its growth.
Since then, Emily’s Hope has expanded its mission to introduce a K-12 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum, a Post-Overdose Response Team and more.
Timeline
May 16, 2018
Forever 21
In just three days, Emily was scheduled to be checked into a treatment center.
She never made it.
Read more about Emily’s story →
Sept. 5, 2018
Angela returns to the anchor desk
Four months after Emily died, Angela returned to the anchor chair at KELO-TV to deliver a powerful & emotional message to the KELOLAND viewers.
The Emily’s Hope fund was also launched at Avera to provide treatment scholarships.
Watch →
Treatment scholarships →
Jan. 23, 2019
Emily’s Hope officially incorporated
Emily’s Hope becomes a 501(c) nonprofit and incorporated in the State of South Dakota with a mission to save lives.
April 11, 2019
Grieving Out Loud podcast premieres
Hosted by Angela Kennecke, Grieving Out Loud began in the spring of 2019 with Emily’s story.
Listen →
Dec. 10, 2019
Avera Addiction Care Center opens
Emily’s Hope pledged $250,000 to offset treatment costs at the new facility, where Emily’s palette and paintbrushes are on display.
June 25, 2021
K-12 curriculum development begins
A cross-discipline committee began meeting to develop the Emily’s Hope K-12 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.
Learn More →
May 21, 2022
Angela inducted in the South Dakota Hall of Fame
For her work on Emily’s Hope and decades in investigative reporting, Angela Kennecke is inducted in the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
Fall 2022
Curriculum pilot program begins
350 third grade students at nine schools in South Dakota and Minnesota complete the Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.
On average, students in the pilot program showed a 21% improvement in their evaluation scores after completing the curriculum.
Sept. 30, 2022
Angela leaves KELO to join Emily’s Hope full time
After 33 years at KELOLAND Media Group, Angela Kennecke leaves the anchor desk to devote her energy into running Emily’s Hope full-time as CEO.
Sept. 5, 2023
K-5 curriculum launches
The Emily’s Hope K-12 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum officially launches for K-5 students.
Jan. 1, 2024
Emily’s Hope Awarded State Contract for Post-Overdose Response Program
Emily’s Hope is awarded a contract from the State of South Dakota to develop and run a Post-Overdose Response Team in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties.
May 7, 2024
Free NARCAN® distribution begins
After a decision in 2023 by the FDA to allow naloxone over-the-counter, Emily’s Hope begins free naloxone distribution program at the Jones 421 Building in Downtown Sioux Falls. More locations continue to be added.
Aug. 28, 2024
Emily’s Hope featured at The White House
For the second year, Angela Kennecke is invited to The White House for International Overdose Awareness Day. In 2024, she spoke on a panel with other leaders from across the country to share the important work by Emily’s Hope.
Sept. 4, 2024
Awarded federal Drug-Free Communities grant
Emily’s Hope is awarded a five-year, $625K grant to support youth substance use prevention in Sioux Falls by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
February 2025
Middle School Curriculum Begins Pilot
Hundreds of students across several states are piloting the 6-8th grade lessons of the Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.
Emily’s Hope is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit recognized by the IRS.
Tax ID Number: 83-3324332
NARCAN® is a registered trademark of Emergent Operations Ireland Limited. Emily’s Hope is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by Emergent Operations Ireland Limited or Emergent BioSolutions Inc.