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.

 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.

The aftermath of Kym’s death and the resulting trauma had a dramatic impact on us and the entire community. We founded the For You Network after surviving the home invasion and violent attack that ended Kym’s life. Although there were many resources suited to our post-trauma needs, 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 a passion.

KYMfest is our organization’s most influential program and “KindYourMind” is our movement, encouraging kindness over violence. The goal of “KindYourMind” is to bring attention to the tragic consequences of violence in our society and begin to cultivate a conscious movement toward change in ourselves and in our communities. We encourage others to take action to learn, practice and teach ways in which to cope with trauma.

“Kind Your Mind is an adaptation of Kym’s name, to live in alignment with who you are, staying true to yourself and intending goodness and love in everything you do.

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.”

KindYourMind is a movement towards mindfully lifting each other up and affirming the potential in each of us to be our highest good and cultivate a kinder way of living. It is the mindful act of kindness toward yourself and others with intention to reduce violent impulses, heal trauma responses, and transform destructive life patterns.