We believe everyone has a role to play in the healing process
Our Mission is to empower others to connect, heal, and thrive in our communities while striving for healthy choices
2020 5K Run Walk A Tremendous Success During COVID CRISIS
Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 9am Homestead Country Club
This was an incredible day for mental and physical health.
We had 111 people sign up for the run both in person and virtual racers.
We were blessed to have many team teen leaders and volunteers on hand for the event.
Most of the volunteers were from Rockhurst High School and St. Thomas Aquinas High School.
We were fortunate to have the Hulsing Family and Homestead Country Club standing beside us and hosting this event. The life saving work of Talk 2 Me-A Program of Hope was advanced by presenting an in person event and coping skill. This morning brought people out of isolation to a safely distanced live event. Racers and Volunteers were outside, with their community, supporting a meaningful cause, spending time with family and close friends and even spent time in prayer and meditation all of which are preventative of suicide.
Get ready to participate with us next year and know:
We are a charity focused on mental health education, physical health, problem solving, solutions, and suicide prevention. We teach coping skills for dealing with depression and anxiety. The 5k run/walk is an actual coping skill in all its glory. You will connect with others, as well as feel better physically and mentally. We thank you in advance for your participation. This is a race to benefit Talk 2 Me - A Program of Hope. You can learn more about the organization and our mission at www.talk-2me.com. Thank you for your support. Our life-saving work is made possible by you ☺
All donations are tax deductible.
Fox 4 at 5 reporting on Talk 2 Me Second Annual 5K Run/Walk
https://fox4kc.com/news/5k-event-in-prairie-village-brings-awareness-to-mental-health-issues-caused
Carey Wickersham Fox 4Kc reporting on Talk 2 Me
by: Carey Wickersham
Posted: Nov 29, 2020 / 07:43 PM CST / Updated: Nov 29, 2020 / 07:43 PM CST
PRAIRIE VILLAGE, Kan. — Shut downs, isolation and virtual schooling have caused mental health issues to skyrocket during the pandemic.
While most charity runs have gone virtual, the Talk 2 Me 5K in Prairie Village held an in-person event.
The whole point of the Talk 2 Me campaign is for people suffering with mental illness to get together and have difficult, judgement-free conversations. Many of the runners were teenagers and young adults.
Jacob Metzner said his peers are really struggling right now.
“Not ever having the opportunity to see people and catch up with friends, managing school from home and never talking to the teachers…It’s really stressful,” Metzner said.
Two years ago, Jacob’s mom started the program Talk 2 Me. It’s designed to help young people connect, heal, and thrive. And this event is giving people suffering from mental health disorders some new coping skills.
“This is all prevention right now, going outside, going for a run, being with other people even while socially distanced. These are all preventative as are connecting to your community and volunteering,” said Elise DiCarlo, the executive director of Talk 2 Me.
The CDC reports that a study conducted during the pandemic shows an increase in people are suffering from mental health issues. 40% of respondents said that they have struggled with at least one mental health issue, 30% say they’ve had anxiety and depression and 10% of respondents say they’ve had serious thoughts of suicide.
“Just talk to one person, and it will cut your problems in half. One safe person, and keep doing that,” DiCarlo said.
“I have a support group of friends who I will go and tell that kind of stuff to with no judgment. I would really suggest that you find one or two close friends to confide in about what you’re going through,” Jacob Metzne added.
If you don’t have a friend to talk with, contact the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255, or find additional resources here.
Student Ambassadors
Thank You To Our Amazing Student Ambassadors
We are grateful for our student leaders for their energy, ideas, and dedication to our cause.
If you are a teen and interested in joining us we welcome you.
Please email us at :
Thank you for caring about your friends and peers!
Thank you Mike at SAV ART
Home of Mahomes
We are so grateful for Mike's continued support of Talk 2 Me. See all of his amazing work at SAV ART
Congratulations to Glen Herrick of Sioux Falls, SD for winning the gorgeous framed Mahomes print. We re grateful to have supporters like Glen who donate and purchase raffle tickets too. Thank you to all who particip
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission. Thank you for helping us in our life saving work.
We are with you during the COVID Pandemic
COMBATING ISOLATION
FIGHTING HUNGER
PROVIDING FRESH PRODUCE AND MEALS FOR FAMILIES
Over 500 pounds of produce packed
384 pounds of meat, cheese, milk and other perishables
472 meals to local families who are not able to make ends meet in terms of providing food for their families.
All of this helps carry out our mission of helping young people thrive in all circumstances.
Talk 2 Me is in the community providing support wherever we are able. Meals are being served in Kansas City, MO and in Shawnee Mission, KS school districts twice daily. We stand with our communities in this time of need. We are here for you!
Mental Health Resources Available
Mental Health Resources :The current quarantines can take a toll on mental health.
If you are in need of help, please reach out. Do not suffer alone.
The following resources are available:
Johnson County mental health center 24/7 crisis line: (913) 268-0156
Wyandotte County Behavior Health Network: General questions and answers: (913) 328-4600 Or 24/7 crisis line: (913) 788-4200
- Disaster stress hotline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
We Continue to Enthusiastically Follow our Mission
We actively packing produce, meats, dairy, and dry good for those who are not able to make ends meet during this time.
Helping teens to connect, heal, and thrive in our schools and communities.
We are packing food to be distributed to children in the Kansas City School District who rely on these food staples in order to have food in the evenings and on weekends.
Thank you to our Silver Wellness Sponsors at RT RYAN TURNER SPECIALTY you mean the world to us.
The event is now FREE thanks to a generous sponsor who elected to underwrite the tickets for the event.
Donations are welcome.
Thank you for you
When?
Postponed
Where?
Mac-n-Seitz
13705 Holmes Rd #1591, K.C. MO 64145
RAFFLE INCLUDES: KENDRA SCOTT, ROYALS TICKETS FOR 4, ROUND OF GOLF AT COUNTRY CLUB OF LEAWOOD FOR 4
Teen Leadership Advisory Board
Talk 2 Me Teen Leaders
Through our partnerships with the Blue Valley Caps Program and area teens we have been able to have input on an advisory level from 59 area teenagers. They are from Rockhurst High School, Shawnee Mission East, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley West, Blue Valley, Blue Valley South West and more area schools.
Thank you to our amazing Sponsorship Team. We could not do this without you.
- Program of Hope Leadership Partners :
- RT RYAN TURNER SPECIALTY
- KATHLEEN HERNE, M.D.
- APEX Environmental Consultants, Inc.
- Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene
- The Sherman Family Foundation
- Richard Metzner Trust
- The Taylor Family Foundation
- Robbie Smart
- Cartwright Tree Care
- Re-Discover You
- The Benson Family
- Doctor Marijo Aguilera
- The Green Family
- Kendra Scott
- J Sullivan, Jr Trust
- Jennifer Green
- Patricia Benson
- Duffy Construction
- The Randall Family
- Derek Locke
- Program of Hope Partners:
- Laurie Ingram
- Ann Eckels
- Natalie Kors
- Jennifer Spears
- Terry Mantell
- Jackie McMahon
- Frannie Cox
- FitChix KC
- ABBACORE, LLC
- Karen Wilkins
- Linda Metzner
- Samantha Kopek
- Vincent DiCarlo
- Tim Coleman
- Nicholas Samuel Metzner
- Paul Fredericks
- Greg Zlevor
- Hollie Still
- Sara Donnelly Hipp
- Anonymous Donor(s)
- Allan Slaney
- James W
- Nancy Kitts
- Cecile Schloegel
- Paul Marquis
- Kaitlin Hager
- Janet Mueller
- Mary Robertson
- Paul Fredricks
- Marijo Aguilera
- Jinny O'Donnell
- Bently Hulshof
- Greg Zlevor
- Jennifer Pumphrey
- Hollie Still
- Kevin O'Donnell
- Jim Turner
- Allan Slaney
- Douglas Cook
- Monica Bennett
- Casey Cook
- Andrea Ways Newman
- Victor Lamento
- Suzanne Teeven
- Kerrie Greenfelder
- K Scott Gibbar
- Cosentino's Price Chopper
- Ray Moncrieffe
- Biesterveld & Crook, LLC
- The Seymour Family
- Lauron Hohl
- One More Scoop
- Marquette Physical Therapy
- Brianne Atteberry
- Jay Marquette
About Us
Accountability Cards
Students will receive wallet sized cards to fill in personal information including safe people and a local crisis line and texting crisis line.
They will carry these on their person at all times.
Student Testimonials
" I only wish I would have talked to someone sooner. I just thought things would always be the way they were. Once I talked to someone is was such a short time until I was feeling better.
- Jacob
"The things you are talking about are the tools that would have really helped me when I was so depressed. I just want other people to know that it's work but you can get better."
-Charlie
More Testimonials
Wow this really does work. I feel so much better after just talking through all the things that were bothering me."
-Alaina
"Everyone at my school needs help. We never talk about this and the drugs and alcohol are a huge problem too."
-Noelle