Donations from last year's activities and donations from participants were earmarked for education and training for the public in 2026-2027. 

Our profound thanks to our donors!

The following events are being offered at no cost in September-October, 2026:

• Sunday, September 20:  VA S.A.V.E. Training at Noon (following the 3rd Annual Be the One Walk) at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium 626 Bethany Road, DeKalb.  Learn more and Register HERE

• Friday, October 16:  Columbia University Training Protocol for Suicide Prevention from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at NM Kishwaukee Health and Wellness Center Auditorium, 626 Bethany Rd., DeKalb, IL.  Up to 150 people can be accommodated.  Master trainers from Columbia University's program will be our faculty and will provide a 2-hour training program for our veterans and families, healthcare professionals, first responders, and the general public in the use of the protocols. This is a unique in-person experience with the trainers from Columbia University.  After the training, participants will be able to:  determine at-risk individuals, identify risk factors and warning signs, outline behaviors that indicate imminent risk, and communicate effectively with an individual who may be at risk of hurting themselves.  Learn more and Register HERE!

• Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18:  Columbia University Training Protocol, Train the Trainer Program (25-30 invited Trainees)  8:00 am - 4:30 pm each day.  Only 30 Trainees will be accepted to this program.  The program will build capacity across Northern Illinois to serve as a foundation to allow the region to provide ongoing training to multiple people and organizations across all of Northern IL.  This will be a valuable asset to spreading awareness and responsiveness across the region as a support for our veterans and first responders who may be in crisis.  This is the First Certified Train the Trainer Program in the Nation associated with the Columbia University Training Protocol.