History

The organization was created after an informal meeting on March 2, 2001, in Rapid City of more than 50 people who wanted to do something about the problem of suicide. Today, the Coalition is a leader–locally, statewide, and nationally–in a movement that is gaining momentum in preventing suicide one community at a time, one person at a time. It is the only agency in West River solely devoted to suicide prevention.

FPC began operations with a grant from the John T. Vucurevich Foundation and L.B. Lane Family Foundation. Before its second year began, the Coalition became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. It has received ongoing funding from the Gwendolyn L. Stearns Foundation, the L.B. Lane Family Foundation, and the John T. Vucurevich Foundation.

The Coalition’s work has been central to bringing the prevalence of suicide–the number two killer of people ages 15-34 and the number six killer of people all ages in South Dakota –to the attention of the public, community leaders, and lawmakers.

The Coalition believes that together there is hope–and invites you to become a partner to help advance and sustain suicide prevention programs throughout the Black Hills. 

Board of Directors

Sharon Kallemeyn - President

Marty Graves - Vice-President

Judy Dryden - Secretary

Ken Kirk - Treasurer

Dr. Mark Garry

Kyle Halverson

Bruce Herrbolt

Heidi Linngren

Carol Posthumas

Staff

Stephanie Schweitzer Dixon - Community Services Director

Constance McIver - Administrative Assistant