Emily's Hope

09/28/2026

This weekend, Diana, our Post-Overdose Response Team Program Manager, and some of our Peer Support Specialists had the opportunity to connect with the community at SiouxperCon!

We had so many great conversations and were grateful to share more about Emily’s Hope, our resources, and the support available in our community.

Thank you to SiouxperCon for including us. We’re grateful to be a part of it! 🩷

09/28/2026

A huge thank you to all of the businesses, organizations, and community partners who helped make Save a Life Day possible! From healthcare and free meals to blankets, haircuts, clothing, resources, and more, you helped create a day centered on care.

We’re especially grateful to Midwest Street Medicine, Bread Break, Four Nations Food Truck , Project Warm-Up, Gloria Dei Church’s mobile barber shop, True Vintage Clothing Bus, Helpline Center, Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas (CHAD), South Dakota Urban Indian Health, Church on the Street, Falls Community Health, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls, and The Lab by Naomi for being a part of the day, and Roots of Brasil for providing tents.

Thank you to Delta Dental of South Dakota, Southeastern District Dental Society, Target Store Sioux-Falls, Scheels, CHAD, and First Interstate Bank for contributing items for the 250 basic-needs bags we were able to provide.

We’re so grateful for this community and what we can accomplish when we come together.

09/28/2026

Heaven Leigh Nelson was born 32 years ago, today, in Granville County, North Carolina. Today, we take a moment to remember her and the life she lived. 💜

Heaven was known for her joyful spirit and outgoing personality. She was a true social butterfly who brought happiness to the people around her and was deeply loved by so many.

He absence leaves a space that will never be filled, but her memory will always live on. Happy heavenly birthday, Heaven.

🎙️Heaven's mother, Patricia Drewes, appeared on our podcast, Grieving Out Loud. Hear their story, using the link in the comments.

09/27/2026

Bryan Blackmon's turning point did not come from a dramatic moment or a devastating loss. It came quietly, in a bathroom, in front of a mirror, when he looked at his own reflection and saw someone he did not recognize. A lifeless version of himself he had never seen before.

He joins Angela this week on Grieving Out Loud to share that moment and the voice he heard that told him he was worth it, and how everything began to change from there.

🎧 Full episode in the comments.

09/26/2026

This week, Sammons Financial Group Companies came together to learn more about the Sioux Empire United Way and the many ways they can make a difference in our community.

On Tuesday, they hosted an awareness fair, bringing together United Way nonprofit partners to share their missions and the work they are doing across our community. On Wednesday, Sammons employees rolled up their sleeves for a naloxone kit assembly event with Emily’s Hope, putting together an incredible 5,000 naloxone kits to help make this life-saving resource more accessible. On Thursday, they welcomed our founder, Angela Kennecke, to share the Emily’s Hope story and our mission to stop stigma and save lives.

Sammons Financial and the United Way have supported Emily’s Hope since day one, and we are so grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to making a difference in our community.

09/25/2026

In September, we gathered for our Volunteer Appreciation Lunch to celebrate the incredible people who give their time and heart to Emily’s Hope.

We’re so grateful for every volunteer who helps us spread our mission. As part of the celebration, we were honored to recognize four outstanding volunteers with special awards:

Heart of Service: Elle & Wendy Quam
Prevention Champion: Rebecca Wimmer
Above & Beyond: Brooke Hoffman-Lyon

Congratulations to these deserving volunteers, and thank you to all of our Emily’s Hope volunteers for everything you do! 🩷

09/25/2026

Today, we honor Seth Carnicle on what would have been his 33rd birthday. 💜

Seth was a talented basketball player and musician whose creativity, humor, and energy brought joy to everyone around him. He was looking forward to becoming a father to his daughter, Brighton, when his life was tragically cut short. Seth passed away just days after his birthday, and as October 4th approaches, we also remember the anniversary of his passing. His love, talent, and unforgettable spirit continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Continue reading about Seth using the link in the comments below.

09/25/2026

Today, we came together with incredible community partners for Save a Life Day to connect people with resources, support, and care. Despite the rainy weather, it was a meaningful and successful day made possible by organizations coming together with a shared commitment to serving our community. We are incredibly grateful for every partner, volunteer, and person who helped make Save a Life Day possible.

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

As National Recovery Month continues, we're inspired to introduce you to another team member on our Post-Overdose Response Team, Stacy!

This week, Stacy shares that through her own experiences of caring for loved ones impacted by addiction, she is inspired to continue helping others navigate recovery, connection, and a path forward.

Peer support isn't just about knowing the right resources; it's about understanding, meeting people where they are, and walking alongside them without judgment.

We're so grateful to have Stacy on our team. Thank you for helping others feel a little less alone. 💜