JKB Experiential Education Foundation

Pictures from Monmouth College....thank you to all the JKB alums who remembered Kyle!

I'm absolutely overwhelmed with the responses to Kyle's birthday post. When I looked at who added emojis, I marveled at the number of JKB alumni responding...from 1996 (Magnificent 44) to those in the last group (2018). It really moved me beyond measure. Thank you everyone for your thoughtful sentiments, your memories of Kyle, and remembering him without even having met him. I am so grateful to friends and family who took the time to comment. I know that Kyle is not forgotten🥰 You are the glue that keeps my heart together.

I wrote this letter to Kyle for what would have been his high school commencement in 1996, just weeks before the very first group of Sophomores attended the Ranch. I really didn't know how prophetic it was. Today is your birthday...Well done, Kyle, Well done!
"Dearest Kyle,"
You were only 16 when you went from our sight and touch. But you will live on in our hearts forever. It has been two years...two years that seem like yesterday, yet an eternity. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't miss your independent ways, your tenderness, your ever-present smile, your quick wit....your entire being-all things that put a smile on our heart, yet, a tear in our eye. Your are loved by many and missed by many. Your mission was much bigger. We see that now. Your presence is felt by so many people, people your know and even people you didn't know. They are part of your mission now. Your legacy will live on forever...It will outlive us all and in your name, J. Kyle Braid, young adults will benefit by gaining balance and integrity. They will reach out to others, making this a better place. We are your instruments. Your mission has become our mission. Our love for you will see this through. 'On this we shake, and that shake will not be broken'. You are our pride and joy now and forever." Love, Mom & Dad
Much love to the entire JKB Family.....

The gift of love, the gift of peace, the gift of happiness & joy. May all these be yours at Christmas & throughout the New Year. Have a JKB kind of 2024!

JKB alumni, friends of the foundation, past volunteers. If you are interested in becoming part of our JKB-Kenya team (June 16-25) to distribute solar lights to villages with no electricity, our zoom meeting is today at 3PM (CST). Please join us to find out more information!
Colleen Malany is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Informational Meeting_Kenya
Time: Jan 8, 2023 03:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88160598689

Meeting ID: 881 6059 8689
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Meeting ID: 881 6059 8689
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kc4Ysc4hdh

Happy 2023 from JKB! It's time to start making a difference again.

"It's up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There's so much to be thankful for,
Even with our differences,
JKB's a place we're all connected,
Each of us can find each others light."

We're going to Kenya! Looking for JKB alumni, friends of JKB, volunteers from JKB...anyone JKB, to field our trip to Kenya with Watts of Love. For more information, we are having a zoom meeting this Sunday, 1/8/2023 at 3PM CST
Invite Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88160598689
If you have any questions before this meeting, reach out to me at [email protected].

Interested in a JKB reunion? JKB Alumni will be traveling to Kenya with Watts of Love in June 2023! If you are interested in this opportunity, donate today for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip. Every donation increases your chances to win the raffle. Five tickets will be entered for every donation of any amount. Deadline for entries is November 30, so ACT NOW! https://funraise.org/give/Watts-of-Love/dad9c5b4-e51d-4cbd-8706-5d924d8eeeaf
If you would like to learn more about the JKB Alumni Trip, please email Colleen Malany ([email protected]).

Donate to the JKB Kenya Trip # #

Interested in a JKB reunion? JKB Alumni will be traveling to Kenya with Watts of Love in June 2023! If you are interested in this opportunity, donate today for a chance to win an all-expense paid trip. Every donation increases your chances to win the raffle. Five tickets will be entered for every donation no matter what the amount. ACT NOW! The deadline for this chance is November 30! https://funraise.org/give/Watts-of-Love/dad9c5b4-e51d-4cbd-8706-5d924d8eeeaf
If you would like to learn more about the JKB Alumni Trip, please email Colleen Malany ([email protected]).

Donate to the JKB Kenya Trip # #

'tstoptrying
We have entered into the last week of September. It's a time to remember and not forget that September was Su***de Awareness Month. A huge progressive step was the anouncement of 988, a su***de hotline available to all. Even those who are least likely to chose this horrific & tragic path in their lives, somehow make the choice. Let's continue to be aware and do what we can to stop this tragedy that seems to overwhelmingly occur at an increased rate each year.
It seems to be a good time to repost about the podcast Mike Bushman & I participated in through the University of Illinois Leadership Center. It is a 22 minute listen that is well worthwhile.
https://anchor.fm/madetolead/episodes/From-Pain-to-Purpose-e1f8n0q
Also, a reminder to read Pain to Purpose-Teaching Teens to Lead, Foster, Engage the JKB Way (by Mike Bushman). It's available on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Purpose-Teaching-Foster-Engage/dp/B093RX61CJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid

Pain to Purpose: Teaching Teens to Lead, Foster and Engage the JKB Way After losing her only child to su***de, Colleen Malany knew the best path forward was turning pain to purpose. By helping thousands of teens help themselves, others and their communities, she fulfilled that purpose. Weeks after sixteen-year-old son Kyle died, Colleen and now ex-husband Ken Braid ...

Another circle around the sun, Kyle! It's inconceivable to me that you would be 45 today. You are so very loved. You are so very missed. You are so very celebrated.