Cos4Hope

Target demographics: save and change lives

Geographic areas served: Kansas City, Missouri

Programs: HopeCon: Our first HopeCon in 2018 became a beacon of Hope paving the way for future revelries, where a mesmerizing array of activities. HopeCon+Walk, an inspirational gathering to ignite the flames of Hope for those whose lives have been touched by the shadows of suicide and mental health. HopeCon encourages all to attend. From valiant warriors who've battled the depths of despair, kindred souls who seek to illuminate the path for others, or those who wish to lend a hand to our noble cause. Whether you are a survivor of suicide loss, someone with lived experience of mental health, a family member, or a friend, all are welcome to come to this convention-esque event. The Fall (SuperMini HopeCon) and Spring (HopeCon + Walk), summon forth the magic of mental wellness and suicide prevention to inspire Hope. Registration for HopeCon is free, welcoming all who seek to make a difference, be it as volunteers, individuals, team members, or virtual participants. Torches On! Torches On!, an all-day virtual lighting event to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. The day begins with a remembrance of a life lost to suicide or someone close to a person touched by lived experience. In many stories, a torch or lantern lights a character's path through times of darkness. Therefore, on this day, people are encouraged to light a torch, lamp, lantern, or candle to help light the way on their journey. Population(s) Served Caregivers Families Parents People with disabilities Widows and widowers Lightsabers, Lanterns, & Lumos (LLL) Since November 2018, Cos4Hope has joined forces with fellow fandoms to pay tribute to those who lost their life to suicide. A fellowship known as Lightsabers, Lanterns, & Lumos illuminates International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. A call to arms beckons all attendees to bring forth their magical instruments of light, from the gleaming swords of the Jedi to the illuminated orbs of the Pokémon masters, swords of light, lanterns, glowing wands, sonic screwdrivers, and tesseracts illuminate the night sky, all casting spells of remembrance. Words of Hope from fandom echo through the gathering, lifting our spirits and soothing our souls. Names of those lost to suicide are read aloud, followed by a prop lighting. As each lighted prop glimmers, we are reminded of those who have left us and the memories they left behind. As the lights dim, we bid farewell to those who have departed, yet their light lingers on, shining bright in the hearts of those who remain. Population(s) Served Adults Children and youth Caregivers Families Parents Adults Children and youth Caregivers Families Parents Adults Children and youth Caregivers Families Parents Hope Harbor Hope Harbor is a private Facebook group launched by Cos4Hope and Planet Comicon in 2018, focusing on cosplayers, gamers, con-goers, and those who are part of fandoms ages 17 and older. The peer support group offers HOPE to suicide attempt survivors, those battling mental health, those recovering from self-harm, and those who have been through a suicide loss. Population(s) Served Veterans Emergency responders Veterans Emergency responders Cos4Hope Volunteer Program Cos4Hope has five main volunteer areas: Cos4Hope Ambassadors Cos4Hope Board Members Cos4Hope Committee Member Cos4Hope Committee Leader Cos4Hope has various committees, some of which are seasonal planning committees, while others are active year-round. Communication Committee Cos4Hope Heroes Committee Development Committee Education Committee Event Committee Healing & Loss Committee HopeCon Committee IDEA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility Committee Leadership Committee Young Adult / Youth Engagement Committee Marketing & Public Relations Committee Special Event Committee Volunteer Committee Day-of-Event Volunteers Intern/Practicum/Work Study/Focus Specific Population(s) Served Artists and performers Widows and widowers Adults Artists and performers Widows and widowers Adults Artists and performers Widows and widowers Adults At-risk youth Veterans