Neon and Beyond

September is Recovery Month and joining us is Jamie Hatfield, a Case Manager at Shine A Light Foundation and noted Author “Heroin(e): A Story of Highs, Lows and the track marks in between.” We discussed the many events for Recovery Weekend in Southern Nevada on September 26-28, including Mobilize Recovery at UNLV and the city wide “Narcan At Night”.

Interview with Jayne Rovianek/Family and Community Engagement Coordinator/Foster Kinship to share information about National Kinship Care Month (September), and the services provided to our community for foster caregivers and children. Jayne also shared the background and vision of Foster Kinship as well website information and opportunities for community involvement through volunteer programs.

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Hope Means Nevada is a compassionate team of individuals supported by the Nevada Medical Center – a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Through our accessible resources, consistent support, community events, and passion for prioritizing mental fitness, we make it our mission to eliminate teen suicide and empower Nevada youth to live hopeful lives. We’re here to provide hope to those who need it most and increase awareness around the struggles and pain some Nevada teens face. https://hopemeansnevada.org/

For Snickers’ birthday, he wants to help his furry friends in need with his second annual citywide pet supplies drive! The drive will kick off with a birthday party for Snickers at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at King David Memorial (2697 E Eldorado Ln, Las Vegas, NV, 89120). Open to the community, this will be a dog-friendly party with free pet photos provided by David Weinstein, treats, games and activities. So, bring your pooch and supplies for animals in need! All dogs must be leashed to attend. Can’t make the party? We will be accepting pet supplies at King David Memorial and all Palm Mortuaries locations until October 31. All donated items will be given to Nevada SPCA, Las Vegas Humane Society, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society and A Path 4 Paws. Dry and canned dog/puppy food Dry and canned cat/kitten food Food for small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, and rats) Cat litter Bedding (towels, sheets, fleece blankets) Cleaning supplies (paper towels, bleach, Dawn liquid dish soap) Laundry Detergent (liquid or pods, no powder) For more information on Snickers 6th Birthday Party or the King David Memorial/Palm Mortuaries Pet Supplies Donation Drive, contact Latoya Bembry at The Ferraro Group: 702-278-1000 or latoya@theferrarogroup.com.

Interview with Cindy Gousack/Exec. Director Collaboration Center Foundation to promote the upcoming fundraiser event Collabchella. Cindy shared the history and mission of the CCF, website information, details for the upcoming event, ticket and sponsorship information, and their volunteer program opportunities. https://collablv.org/

CA Coast Classic

David Garris is the Founder of the Hold Fast Nevada Project HoldFastNV.com is an acclaimed help link network designed to assist those in crisis to connect them to resources and providers in Southern Nevada. David also discussed the success stories from Hold Fast and the clothing donation drive with Hertz Rent-A-Car.

Info on Charity Series of Poker Tournament for Autism on September 6.

Since 2001, NPHY’s best practice programs have helped thousands of homeless youth graduate from high school, enroll in college, embark on careers, find their passions, build supportive social networks, transition to safe and stable housing, and realize brighter futures. https://nphy.org/

Dr Steve Evans is the Chief Medial Officer at Silver Summit Healthplan and he discussed various ways to keep children safe and healthy during the school year. https://www.silversummithealthplan.com/

Interview with Holly Marquardt/Forclosed Upon Pets, Inc. (FUPI) to share details on their annual fundraising gala, Paws in Paradise. Holly shared the background and history of FUPI, services provided to our community, website info for donations and volunteer opportunities. https://forecloseduponpets.org/

Anise Labrum with Creation4Cause, a multi media production company that promotes inclusion through innovative projects and relationships in Las Vegas. Each month, Anise and her crew join local providers at the Care Complex to assist the homeless and get them off the streets. Her soon to be released docu-series, “Homeless to Home”, covers the resilience and effort of individuals going through the program to return to society. https://creation4cause.com/

The 2025 Criminal Justice Mental Health Conference is on a mission to connect criminal justice practitioners, mental health professionals, government agencies, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, recruitment managers, philanthropists, academia, students, and returning citizens, helping them to collaborate and learn in an innovative environment. Through this platform, our goal is to engage, support, and inform. We can only address the criminal justice and mental health needs within our community if all community stakeholders foster cooperation and innovation. Better mental health is related to coping with stress and overcoming challenges. https://www.cjmhconference.com/

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children Invites Local Businesses to Join “Lift Voices, Not Traffickers” Campaign on July 30 Community effort aims to raise awareness and support for survivors on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children will mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2025, by launching the “Lift Voices, Not Traffickers” campaign. This initiative calls on Southern Nevada businesses to visibly stand with survivors—and those at risk—of human trafficking by participating in a community-wide display intended to raise awareness and solidarity. https://stjudesranch.org/

While assigning a specific price tag to a memory is challenging, the true value lies in the experiences and connections created during game day, which often surpass monetary cost. The Raider Dad Experience aims to decrease the financial burden of game day. Our initiative aims to make game days enjoyable and stress-free for families by alleviating concerns about costs, while also supporting community causes that foster the next generation of sports fans. By creating memorable first fan moments, we help families build lasting connections to their teams, ensuring a positive experience that encourages lifelong fandom and community engagement for years to come. 4th Annual Raider Dad Experience is set for August 16th, 2025. Each summer, our mission helps youths experience their first Raiders game at Allegiant Stadium. https://www.vegasraiderdad.org/

Denise Parker, QPI Coordinator and Back to school Committee Chair discussed their annual school supply drive for the 2,000 Clark County students in Foster Care. Go online to donate and volunteer ClarkCountyFosterCare.com https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/residents/family_services/divisions/foster_care/

Join us for our 13th annual Fill the Bus school supply drive on Thursday, July 24, 2025. By becoming a sponsor, collecting supplies, or making a financial contribution, you will help fill the gap and provide students with backpacks, notebooks, clothing, and more. Our CIS Resource Rooms are a safe space where students can receive one-on-one support. Our 100+ full-time professional Site Coordinators build relationships on campus to ensure our students stay on track and ultimately graduate.

Foster Kinship strengthens kinship caregivers’ capacity to provide safe, stable, and nurturing homes for children. https://www.fosterkinship.org/

Jason Roth is the Vice President of Communications and Partnerships at Roseman University and he discussed the inaugural class for their College of Medicine, as well as, Anesthesiology program. Also, Roseman is embarking on creating a new Veterinarian school, which would be a first in Nevada. https://www.roseman.edu/

Riley Casperson with The Public Education Foundation discussed the summer hours of the Teacher Superstore at 6001 S. Decatur and its new weekend hours during the school season. In addition, Riley explained how donating $26 personal membership can buy up to $500 supplies for a teacher in Clark County, as well as, how donations created $6 Million Dollars in scholarships for Clark County students. https://thepef.org/