Addiction Recovery
The organization also helps fund treatment for those ready to begin recovery. So far, 260 people have received care at the Avera Addiction Care Center through Emily’s Hope scholarships—totaling more than $500,000 in direct support.
Prevention remains central to Emily’s Hope’s mission. The organization’s K–12 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum and Youth Prevention Coalition equip young people with science-based education and resilience skills.
Avera supports these initiatives through events like the Youth Art Showcase and an upcoming community screening of the documentary “Can’t Look Away” on March 2, 6–8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater. The documentary exposes the dark side of social media and its impact on young users, including drug dealing on the platforms.
Kennecke extends her advocacy through her national podcast, Grieving Out Loud, where she interviews families, experts, and advocates about loss, resilience and recovery. “It’s a way to break the silence,” she said. “The more we share our stories, the more lives we save.”
Even as Emily’s Hope expands statewide, Kennecke says her motivation remains deeply personal.
“I still think about Emily every day,” she said. “But when I see someone come back to life after an overdose or hear a student say our lessons helped them make a better choice, I know that Emily’s story continues to make a difference.”
Learn more about Emily’s Hope and addiction care services at Avera.
