5 Stories of Life-Changing Connection and the Ripple Effect of Hope
At KVC Health Systems, a family of nonprofits that provides mental health treatment, foster care, family support and education services, connection is at the heart of everything we do.
Healing often begins when someone feels seen, supported and surrounded by people who care. A child realized they’re not alone. A family finds the strength to keep going. A teen begins to trust again. A donor makes a transformational gift. A volunteer consistently supports a child in a classroom. A team member shows up in a moment that changes everything.
That’s the power of a story.
Each year, we host a Story Contest to celebrate the real stories of hope, healing and connection happening across KVC and Camber Mental Health, KVC’s inpatient mental health hospital network.
These stories come from people with a connection to KVC or Camber Mental Health, including youth and families we have served, parents, caregivers, foster parents, adoptive parents, team members, referral partners, donors, volunteers, partners and community supporters.
Together, they remind us that one act of care can create a ripple effect far beyond one moment.
Share Your Story!
As we celebrate the inspiring stories submitted during our 2025 Story Contest, we’re also inviting you to share your story in 2026.
Our 2026 Story Contest is open now through August 14! If you have a personal, professional or community connection to KVC or Camber Mental Health, we’d love to hear your story.
Everyone who enters can request a KVC sticker sheet filled with fun, mission-inspired designs. You’ll also have a chance to win one of several gift cards.
Your story doesn’t need to be long or perfectly written. It simply needs to be real… because your story can have a ripple effect, too.
Thank You to Our 2025 Story Contest Entrants
To everyone who shared their story with us in 2025: thank you!
Thank you for trusting us with your experiences. Your stories help others feel less alone. They help families see what’s possible. They help our team members remember why their work matters. They help donors, volunteers and community partners understand the real lives touched by KVC and Camber Mental Health every day.
Most of all, your stories honor the strength, resilience and courage of the children, teens, individuals and families we serve.
We received many entries last year and our team of judges reviewed submissions. This team selected stories that were especially moving, inspiring and connected to our mission to receive Amazon gift cards.
Since then, we’ve been sharing them online. Now is a great time to check out any of these stories you may have missed! And don’t forget, you can share your story now through August 14th!
TOP WINNERS
A Turning Point: One of the Most Important Lessons from Foster Parenting
Submitted by Kenneth Cedar, KVC West Virginia
Kenneth has provided foster care for more than 30 years alongside his late wife, caring for more than 60 children, including youth with significant needs. His experience reflects both the challenges and the deep purpose of foster care.
One Connection Can Ripple Through a Lifetime
Submitted by Jessica Elliott, KVC Missouri
More than a decade after closing her case, one unexpected message reminded a case manager why this work matters. The relationship between a young person and their case manager made a lasting impact and even came full circle.
How Consistent Support Helped One Teen in Foster Care Thrive
Submitted by Jennifer Nelson, KVC Kansas
From foster care to thriving independence, Brandon’s story shows the power of resilience and connection. Discover how KVC Kansas supports teens on their journey.
The Way Out of the Dark: A Camber Team Member’s Story of Carrying on a Legacy of Healing
Submitted by Trevor Kennedy, Camber
How one couple’s decades as foster parents inspired a legacy of healing that now impacts thousands through compassionate mental health care.
When you work for KVC, even small acts matter, “showing up, sitting quietly, cheering someone on — can make a world of difference in the lives of the kids we serve.”
Submitted by Christina Todd, KVC Missouri
Every child needs someone who sees beyond the behavior to the hurt underneath. One child’s anger turned into gratitude after a simple act of presence and understanding.
ADDITIONAL WINNERS
We’ll continue sharing stories throughout the rest of this year. Follow us on social media so you don’t miss them!
- Kim’s journey with KVC Missouri is a story of hope and gratitude — Kim Hill, KVC Missouri
- After years in residential care, one teen’s future seemed uncertain but with patience, support and perseverance, incredible growth happened — Dairian Lovell, KVC Missouri
- An experienced foster parent who now supports others through KVC’s ambassador program, helping new families navigate it all — Atheah Erickson, KVC Missouri
- “Getting into the field, I had no idea what I was doing, but I quickly realized that it was more than just fun; it was going to be my purpose.” — Bri Daugherty, KVC Missouri
- KVC foster care case manager builds trust with teen who never had anyone worthy — Gabrielle McLaughlin, KVC Missouri
- KVC foster parents, Claire and Zachary say yes to keep sibling group of four together — Claire Jost, KVC Missouri
- What started as temporary became permanent when a foster mother and daughter formed a lifelong bond — Sheree Shepherd, KVC Missouri
- “The day she discharged, she wasn’t the same little girl who was admitted. She learned from her time at Camber what it was like to truly be cared about and that will stay with her forever.” — Karen Morris, Camber Mental Health
Submit Your Story & Create the Next Ripple
Do you have a story that shows how you made a positive difference in someone’s life through KVC or Camber Mental Health? Do you have a story about how KVC or Camber made a positive difference in your life?
Did we help you during a really hard time in your life? Did you witness a moment of care, connection or healing that’s stayed with you? Share your story!
Our 2026 Story Contest is open now through August 14. Entering takes as little as 5 minutes. Everyone who enters can request a KVC sticker sheet filled with fun, mission-inspired designs. You’ll also have a chance to win one of several gift cards.
