KYMfest started as a memorial of life for our youngest sister, Kym, who was murdered in a domestic assault in March of 2018. Our family has since created this festival and the nonprofit organization, For You Network, Inc. as a way to help connect people to healing resources. By coming together annually to remember Kymberlee Larsen and honor those who’ve died in our community due to tragedy (ie. domestic violence, suicide, addiction, mental health disorders, accidents, homicide, fatal illness, etc.) we bring awareness to the impact trauma has on our lives and how community support helps us heal.
Our mission is to create inclusive space to learn from one another, contribute to the cause of non-violence, and take away something of value to integrate into our everyday lives. Filled with family-friendly learning opportunities, KYMfest offers space for attendees to experience a feeling of enrichment and connection within the community. Through the KYMfest experience, we strive to inspire different ways in which to #KindYourMind.* We host community resources, live entertainment, merchandise vendors, local artisans, delicious eats, and activities for all ages!
At KYMfest, you will participate in a growing conscious culture and witness the power that collective loving kindness has over the judgment, shame and blame-ridden society we live in.
That is how our sister lived to the fullest in her short, 22-year life. Not in judgement of herself or others, but in complete openness and genuine care for herself and others. In loving-kindness. That is how we envision carrying out her legacy: in celebration of life and love.”
For You Network, inc. is the parent nonprofit organization that produces KYMfest annually and provides trauma support groups, classes and seminars year-round. We aim to increase the accessibility of Family-Oriented Resources for the Young, Old, and Under-served people in our community. We are a connection center that guides people to the help and transformation they seek after experiencing tragedy. Our goal is to minimize the impact of trauma and prevent violence.
A Message From KYMfest Director and Founder:
I am the founder and President of For You Network, Inc., a nonprofit that brings access & awareness to resources in our community and works to minimize the impact of trauma and prevent violence. I am also a survivor of the home invasion and fatal domestic violence attack that ended the life of my sister, Kymberlee Larsen in 2018. In the months that followed, there were many resources suited to my needs, but the stress and vulnerability of navigating them and seeking help was overwhelming. Healing from that traumatic experience, sharing our family story and inspiring others has since become my passion.
For You Network, Inc. aspires to help pick up the pieces after tragedy and find a path forward. We believe compassionate connections are essential for healing to occur in a community. As the need for support rises in our society, so does the need to re-frame stigmas around receiving help. Hosted as a free family event, KYMfest (or, the “KindYourMind” festival) brings our community in and human service resources together. This allows attendees an opportunity to network with active resources and seek help in recovering after trauma, violence, and other major life transitions. Additionally, we bring in live entertainment, merchandise vendors, local artisans and delicious eats for this all-day festival experience. KYMfest is For You Network’s most influential program.
A key feature to our festival is that attendees get to browse firsthand the community resources who are aligned to our mission. Some resources that have been represented at past KYMfests are David’s Hope Pregnancy Loss Ministry, Nampa Family Justice Center, Idaho Rising Stars, City of Nampa, Women’s and Children’s Alliance, and Idaho Youth Ranch, to name a few.
For You Network hopes to produce KYMfest each year as our annual outreach and awareness event to ring together all the amazing work our community is doing to stay connected and heal together. Our trademark motto, KindYourMind, an adaptation of Kym’s name, is a movement promoting a mindset of kindness for ourselves and others over judgement, blame, and shame. KYMfest provides direct opportunities to “kind your mind” and transform harm into healing.
Our approach is different than others because we reach people where they are in their journey. Healing is not one-size-fits-all. For You Network can assist in your unique process. We are here to help. We are here for you.
Chelsea Larsen
