We created the foundation in memory of our son, Tyler, who passed away on 6/21/22. I always said that my children had much kinder hearts than I myself. He was always the one that tried to help anyone in need. He never met a stranger. Unfortunately, in his late teens and early twenties, he struggled with mental health issues and then addiction. We fought and asked for help and found that both the mental health and addiction systems were nearly impossible to navigate. The stigma associated with either of those issues was crippling for him and many others in our community. Neither of these issues cares about how much money you make or what kind of childhood you had—they have no boundaries.
After he passed, we decided that no parent or family should ever have to endure a loss like ours. Everything that we went through with him made it very evident to me that people needed help, and we could be that help. We have assisted with things such as locating detox facilities, rehabs, clothing, feeding, paying bills, finding jobs, awarding scholarships, and being a trusted ear and friend to those in need. We currently have 16 people that we assisted who are still receiving treatment. We also have several families we have helped with rent, utilities, automotive repairs, food, and clothing.
What started as a memorial has grown into a mission. We see needs within our community, and along with other community organizations, we have been able to fill those needs in many forms. We want to leave our community a better place. In the two short years that we have operated the foundation, we have had the honor of assisting over 200 individuals and families. We have 99 people currently in long-term treatment centers. Some have only started their journey into sobriety, while others have completed their programs and continue to stay in the facilities, working their way through leadership programs. Once they complete those tasks, they will be able to move on to sober living homes and start their reintroduction into those communities as positive role models for those coming to the programs behind them.
We also assisted over 20 families this past winter with utility bills. We were able to provide food and assistance with medication for several elderly people in our community. We also provided Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for many families. Unfortunately, we have also assisted families that have lost loved ones due to drug-induced deaths. Most people never plan to bury a child or loved one, and at such a devastating time, we have been able to provide financial assistance to help ease the stress they are already under.
Most people don’t realize just how much a small donation can help. On average, it costs us $350 to secure someone in a treatment center. A $30-40 contribution can keep a family warm for several days in cold weather, and $100 can provide multiple weeks of food for a small family. Our larger expenses are burial fees, which in most cases are $1,500-$2,000. To learn more and stay updated on the foundation's efforts, please like and follow our facebook page.
Foundation Founder,
Kim Hancock
Each year, WHSL proudly partners with a non-profit organization to make a positive impact beyond the event. By supporting meaningful causes, we invite our attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to join us in giving back to the community. Together, we can drive change in the lives of those who need it most.