In memory of Jason, Sara, and Lane
Sunday, September 17, 2017 ~ 9:00 am
Ironwoods Park Amphitheater, 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS
This family event is intended to help raise awareness and reduce stigma of mental illness.
Funds raised through the walk will help us to educate teens about mental illness, raise awareness in our high schools, and prevent suicides. There are lots of ways to get involved, so make plans now!
Click here to read the Frequently Asked Questions and learn more about the walk.
How To Participate:
Walk on September 17:
Click here to register for the walk. We encourage you to create teams for your loved ones as well. Please note: Walk t-shirts are being distributed in the order of registration after the Sept. 30 deadline, so the earlier you sign up, the better! Online registration will close at noon on Friday, Oct. 7, but you are still invited to walk up and register at the walk on Oct. 9.
Make a Donation
Click here to make a donation to SPEAK UP, a program of the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition, led by Jewish Family Services. Your tax-deductible gift will support a teen mental health campaign for local high schools.
To Become a Sponsor
We are still seeking sponsors for the SPEAK UP Walk. If your organization is interested in getting involved, click here to find out more.
To Volunteer
Let us know if you’d like to volunteer for the walk by emailing [email protected]. Volunteers are needed to distribute shirts, help with water stations and more.
Frequently asked:
Where is the walk?
The walk will be held at Ironwoods Park, located at 14701 Mission Road, Leawood, KS 66224. It will begin and end at the amphitheater within the park.
Where do we park?
There are two primary parking lots available in Ironwoods Park, and we will have signage and people on hand to help you find them, then to direct you to the amphitheater. We do suggest carpooling.
Is there handicapped parking available?
There are a limited number of handicapped spots available at the amphitheater that will be available. You must have a handicapped tag to show to the volunteer in order to park in this lot.
How long is the walk?
The complete route is 1.34 miles (about 2.15 km) but participants are welcome to do it more than once if they desire a longer walk. There is also a much shorter loop – less than ½ mile for those that want a shorter route.
Is the trail paved?
Yes, the entire route is paved and very accessible.
Is there a program before or after the walk?
Yes, there will be a brief program both before and after the walk. Before the walk starts, there will be brief comments to explain why we are there and how to use the walk to practice “starting a conversation” about mental health. After the walk, the program will focus on sharing the personal stories of Jason and Sara and how we can help to reduce the stigma of mental illness.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes, you may bring your dog as long as the pet is leashed and well behaved.
Will there be food/beverages?
Yes. Water and coffee will be provided, as well as bagels and fruit. This is not intended to be a full breakfast, but to provide our walkers with a little extra energy and hydration. Feel free to bring your own water bottle.
What else is there to do at the walk?
There will be several mental health service providers with information tables available, as well as a face painter, funnel cake truck, and SPEAK UP gear for purchase. There will also be raffle tickets available for a variety of prizes.
What should I wear? What should I bring?
The weather forecast is calling for sunny weather and a high of 70 degrees on Sunday, October 9, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable walking shoes. We also suggest bringing a water bottle.
Can I pick up my t-shirt ahead of time?
Yes, you may pick up your t-shirt on Saturday, October 8, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Congregation Beth Torah, located at 6100 W 127th St, Overland Park, KS 66209. If you do not pick up your t-shirt at this time, it will be available at the walk.
What if my friends and family want to join me?
Online registration is available until noon on Friday, October 7, though our limited number of walk t-shirts will be distributed in order of registration. You are also welcome to walk up and register on the day of the walk. The cost will remain $10, even after the shirt supply runs out.
Can I still make donations?
Absolutely! We will continue to accept donations for this effort online at www.speakup.us and will also accept them at the walk. You may also mail donations to SPEAK UP in care of Jewish Family Services, 5801 W. 115th Street, Overland Park, KS 66211.
Do I need to bring cash?
We will have the ability accept major credit cards at the event, and will accept checks. There is no charge for funnel cakes or face painting, but there is a fee if you wish to register, purchase raffle tickets or SPEAK UP merchandise.
What will you do with my donation?
By supporting the SPEAK UP Walk, you are helping us offer a comprehensive mental health program to high schools in the Greater Kansas City area at no charge to them. This program will include:
- Speaking engagements at each high school, featuring speakers such as Kevin Hines, suicide attempt survivor, or speakers of similar quality who best fit the needs of the schools.
- The SOS Signs of Suicide® High School Prevention Program, an evidence based program that has shown a 40% reduction in self-reported suicide attempts. SOS provides training for high school staff, who then help to implement the program which includes a screening mechanism for students to assess their mental health and risk for suicide, which then are triaged for follow up.
“You Be You” year-round mental health campaign for teens, developed by Bernstein-Rein Advertising. This campaign will reach students both in and out of school time through innovative marketing concepts that promote positive self-image and provide mental health resources for teens and their families.
Depending on the school’s needs, the estimated cost of the program is $1,500 – $2,500 per school. Your donation is helping SPEAK UP and the Greater Kansas City Mental Health Coalition to bring these and other critical resources to our community’s youth.