About Kevin's Song

OUR MISSION — TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO PREVENT SUICIDE & OFFER HOPE AND HEALING TO SURVIVORS 

Kevin’s Song is a charitable organization dedicated to generating public awareness about the causes of suicide, its prevalence in our society and possible preventive measures. As an organization, we are creating a working community of professionals and advocates that is rapidly being recognized as an important resource in the metropolitan Detroit area for offering knowledge, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities touched by suicide.

Our Plan — what we intend to do

Kevin’s Song is a central hub: the place where people can come to find resources and learn about organizations that are helping us understand the causes of suicide as well as effective methods of preventing it. It is a place where people can find the latest research, read reviews of books on suicide as well as articles by experts in the field, and learn about support groups and activities taking place locally, nationally, and globally.

Through conferences, workshops, a documentary film and our website, Kevin’s Song provides up-to-date information on the impacts of suicide and helpful resources to keep our community safer and welcoming for those who are at-risk and their loved ones. We plan to partner with local mental health professionals to bring innovation to the care and treatment of individuals haunted by the risk of self-harm. We will be a sustaining presence in the suicide education and prevention community by actively working with other suicide prevention organizations to increase awareness and help eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness.

Statement of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Kevin’s Song is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering communities to prevent suicide and providing hope and healing to survivors. We recognize that the communities and individuals we serve come from diverse backgrounds, and we believe that to be truly effective, our organization must also be diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

To further the mission and vision of Kevin’s Song, the organization is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all board members, staff, vendors, and partners are treated with respect and dignity.

In this context, diversity encompasses factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, and socio-economic background. Inclusion involves recognizing, appreciating, and promoting the complete engagement of all individuals in the organization’s activities and the communities we serve. Equity is a process that guarantees every person is provided the needed tools so they can contribute, progress, and thrive despite past inequalities based on history, structure, race, and economic status.

At Kevin’s Song, we embrace the vibrant diversity of the communities we support. Discrimination, prejudice, and harassment will not be tolerated. Our organization is unwavering in its dedication to implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion across all facets of our operations. Through this commitment we strive to cultivate an environment which promotes positive mental health for all.

Board of Directors:

  • Fritz Klingler, Chairman
  • Justin Urso, Vice-Chairman
  • La Toya Bond, Secretary
  • William C. Gough, Treasurer
  • Greg Boudreau
  • Linda B. Finkel
  • Robert J. Finkel
  • Susan Francis
  • Sarah M. Gough
  • John Thomas McGovern
  • Kathey McGovern
  • Leo A. Nouhan
  • Kevin F. O’Shea
  • Javon Reese
  • John R. Urso, Co-Founder
  • Gail M. Urso, MA. Co-Founder
  • Patrick A. Watson, EdS
  • Lawrence Wentworth, Ph.D.
  • Annette U. Rickel, Ph.D., Deceased
  • Lynne E. Maitland, Ph.D., Deceased
  • Ann W. MacDonald, Emeritus
  • Michael J. MacDonald, Deceased

Advisory Council:

  • Nancy Buyle, MA, LPC, ACTP Safe Schools/Student Assistance Consultant, Macomb Intermediate School District
  • Gig Columbini, LMSW, Psychotherapist, Founder, Institute for Hope and Human Flourishing
  • Amelia Lehto, Director of National Programs, HopeLink Behavioral Health
  • Jean Larch, Co-Author, “Dying to Be Free”
  • Dennis Liegghio, Founder/President, KnowResolve
  • Karen Marshall, Loss Survivor, Suicide Prevention Trainer, Advocate
  • Sherry E. McRill, MA, LLP, (Retired) Chief Visionary Officer, CNS Healthcare
  • Kenneth J. Meisel, LMSW
  • Barb Smith, President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network
  • Daniel B. Syme, Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Beth El