Luncheon Event Featuring Author and Panel to Address Mental Health in the Workplace

OMAHA, Neb. - Sept. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- The Kim Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness, will welcome author Shane J. Lopez, Ph.D, along with four panelists, for a luncheon presentation and discussion regarding mental health in the workplace. Making Hope Happen will be held Monday, October 7, 2013 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in LaVista, Nebraska.

The event is expected to draw business leaders, human resources professionals, and other interested community members from Omaha and the surrounding region.  Tickets for the event are $62.50 per person and $500 per table of eight. Reservations may be made online at www.thekimfoundation.org or by contacting Julia Hebenstreit, executive director, The Kim Foundation (http://www.thekimfoundation.org) at (402) 891-6997 or jhebenstreit@thekimfoundation.org.

Lopez, Ph.D. is the author of “Making Hope Happen” and is the world's leading researcher on hope. Dr. Lopez is also one of the most vocal advocates of the psychological reform of America's education system. He is a Gallup Senior Scientist and Research Director of the Clifton Strengths Institute. A prolific author, Dr. Lopez has published more than 100 articles and chapters and 10 books. A professor of education for a decade, he is now professor of business at the University of Kansas.

Joining Lopez are panelists Major Bill Burkhart, U.S. Marines; Margaret Hershiser, Shareholder, Koley Jessen; George Rubino, CFO, Distefano Technology & Manufacturing; and Todd Schmaderer, Chief of Police, Omaha Police Department.

Discussion will center around the impact of mental health on the business environment, what an employer should do if an employee is in a crisis situation related to mental health, specific issues related to veterans, legal considerations, and resources available for employers and their employees.

“We’re looking forward to such a diverse group of business leaders coming together for what promises to be an informative and valuable discussion about mental health within the work environment,” said Hebenstreit.  “With the positive response we've had, it's evident that business leaders see the importance of this topic and are interested in learning more about how to prepare for and respond to mental health related situations involving employees.”

The Kim Foundation supports innovative, sustainable programming in the Omaha community and surrounding areas that focuses on the prevention and early intervention of mental health services, while building awareness of this too often stigmatized topic. Proceeds from the event will enable The Kim Foundation to continue pursuing these efforts while remaining a supportive resource and compassionate voice for lives touched by mental illness.

ABOUT THE KIM FOUNDATION:

The Kim Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, The Kim Foundation strives to build a united, comprehensive response to assist children, adults, and families in achieving health, healing, and recovery. The Kim Foundation serves as a communication link between individuals, families, and organizations throughout the state of Nebraska and moves to reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care. For more information about The Kim Foundation, visit www.thekimfoundation.org.