Our story

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"Because I can see how our support group members follow the coping strategies to bring more understanding and balance to how they support their loved ones with mental illness."
Fran Smith

OUR STORY

Why KSF was Formed

Karla Smith's seven-year struggle with bipolar disorder began when she was 19. It culminated with her suicide at age 26. In her memory, the Smith family continues her commitment to help other families face these challenges.

Karla Smith Foundation, founded by Tom, her father, Fran, her mother, and Kevin, her twin brother, is an avenue to share family experiences which similarly impact thousands of others.

Mission Statement

The Karla Smith Foundation provides hope for a balanced life to family and friends of anyone with a mental illness or who lost a loved one to suicide.

What is Hope For a Balanced Life?

Mental illness and suicide create an imbalance in the emotional, mental, spiritual, and behavioral lives of the family and friends of someone with mental illness as well as suicide survivors. Most often the family and friends are confused, empty, and frustrated by the behavior of their loved one. Their life balance is gone, and they see little hope for a “normal” life.

KSF believes there is hope for a balanced life. Even if there is an untreated person with mental illness in the family, even in the aftermath of suicide, there is hope. KSF helps discover and nurture that hope.

After joining the family support group, I was overwhelmed that so many in our area are struggling to cope with mental illness. I don't know what we would have done without your objective advice and the blessing of being able to hear the experiences of others in similar situations.”
Kay Zollner, O'Fallon, IL.

The Tattered Tapestry:

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A Balanced Life:

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