HomeMy Public PortalAbout2022 0808 Fosters Voice DayCITY OF RIVERD L,E
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., was established by Kevin (a former Riverdale resident) & Jaime Atwood on
July 30, 2017, just 9 days after their son, Foster C. Atwood, died by suicide at only 19 years old; and,
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) charity that understands that suicide and mental health do
not discriminate and can affect any person no matter their age, race, gender, or sexual orientation; and,
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., works to end the stigma surrounding suicide by letting others know that
they are not alone and that it is always okay to NOT be okay; and,
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., has worked tirelessly over the past 5 years to bring suicide awareness to
the Quad City community, as well as to a national audience; and,
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., traveled to Washington DC to lobby congress in 2018, in 2019, and via
Zoom during the pandemic in 2021, for additional taxpayer funding to support the new 9-8-8 national
suicide hotline; and,
WHEREAS, Foster's Voice, Inc., continues to lobby the Iowa and Illinois state legislatures to support a bi-
partisan law for additional funding to supplement the 9-8-8 implementation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Anthony Heddlesten, do hereby proclaim August 9, 2022
°STEWS YOIC'E DAY
in Riverdale, Iowa, and commend Foster's Voice, Inc., Kevin Atwood, and Jaime Atwood, for their part in
bringing the 9-8-8 hotline to fruition in the United States and for their continued efforts to support those
grappling with suicide and/or mental health issues.
Anthony Heddlesten, Mayor
City of Riverdale, Iowa