15th Annual JCK Legends Day: Kelly's Sharpshooters

THE JCK FOUNDATION'S IMPACT

What a journey it has been! Thank you so much for your contribution to the JCK Foundation and our mission to continue to promote mental health and wellness; before you go, please see below for all the things we’ve been up to in the past year.

Since last year’s “Legends Day,” the JCK Foundation's workshops have reached more than 65 schools, directly impacting over 25,000 students, faculty, and parents. Our relationship with Swedish schools continues to thrive, with our program now active in over 20 schools across Sweden in the past 3 years. Additionally, we’ve expanded our efforts to upstate New York and made our first visit to schools in Wyoming. Looking ahead, we’re excited to collaborate with even more states in the upcoming fall. Throughout the 2024/25 school year, we worked with over 20 new schools, significantly expanding our reach and fostering a stronger community!

This quote from a student really stuck out, "It was so inspiring to listen to Kevin and John talk. Knowing that you’re not alone, and hearing about what they both went through really impacted me. Although a lot of what they said reminded me of some dark times in my life, seeing them helped me realize that I’m still here today, and I got better. I now present myself as a resource to my friends if they ever need it because I have been through a lot of things that nobody should ever have to go through. I may not know exactly how they’re feeling, but I try my best to help. I thank Kevin and John for coming to my school and sharing such personal stories with all of us.”         

We have continued our “Student Legends Network” where students from various districts come together every other Thursday night to discuss ways to make mental health more approachable. These meetings foster self-care, support for friends and classmates as well as the development of confidence, compassion, and essential skills. We’re delighted by its impact and hope it continues to flourish, benefiting as many students as possible! Additionally, our Legends Ambassador Clubs—sanctioned student-led clubs within JCK schools—empower participants to lead the charge against mental health stigma. Last year, we had three clubs in action, and we’re excited to launch four more next year, bringing the total to seven! 

Other exciting initiatives this year included:

• Welcoming 11 High School Seniors from 3 different Westchester Area High Schools to serve as interns for the Month of May. 
• Collaborating with Westchester Student Assistance Services to present an anti-gambling initiative to various school districts throughout Westchester. 
• Completion of our Virtual Legends Program that will be disseminated both Nationally and Internationally to schools in need. 
• Officially opening “Legends Court” at Memorial Park in Dobbs Ferry to honor the memory of John Kelly. 
• Expanding our Legends Program to the State of Montana.

We can't thank you enough for your support. It truly means the world to me and we will stop at nothing to help as many people as we possibly can!