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BEYOND DIFFERENCES, SANDY HOOK PROMISE COMBINE FORCES

Laura Talmus (far right), executive director and co-founder of Beyond Differences, with Beyond Differences’ National Teen Board, and Nicole Hockley, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise (5th from right) at a National Teen Board meeting. Photo courtesy of Beyond Differences

When Kentfield resident Laura Talmus launched the nonprofit Beyond Differences in 2010 to honor the life of her daughter, Lili, who felt socially isolated in school, she had no idea that the issue would touch a nerve in students nationwide. Her groundbreaking programs to end social isolation and build a culture of belonging in schools have impacted millions of students in over 10,000 schools. On Sept. 16, Beyond Differences officially integrated with Sandy Hook Promise. They will combine expertise to reach more schools throughout the country. Both Sandy Hook Promise and Beyond Differences, have been leaders in addressing two of the U.S. Surgeon General’s issues that have become public health crises: gun violence and social isolation. Beyond Differences is a national organization committed to inspiring students nationwide to end social isolation and create cultures of belonging for everyone. As the first organization in the U.S. to identify social isolation as a public health crisis for youth, Beyond Differences created groundbreaking programs with student-led activities and lessons to foster connection. Today, their programs reach millions of students in diverse communities in all 50 states. Sandy Hook Promise co-founders and co-CEOs Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden will continue to lead Sandy Hook Promise; Beyond Differences executive director Laura Talmus is stepping back from the day-to-day role of running the nonprofit. “Beyond Differences is honored to have its programs, staff, and National Teen Board integrated with Sandy Hook Promise. It is the perfect partnership, based on years of collaboration and mutual admiration between our two organizations, to help Beyond Differences rise to an ever bigger national stage,” said Laura Talmus, executive director and co-founder of Beyond Differences. Through the integration, Sandy Hook Promise will incorporate Beyond Differences’ no-cost, school-based programs into Sandy Hook Promise offerings, available to all schools, districts, states, and youth organizations. Schools that use Beyond Differences programs can continue to implement Beyond Differences’ valuable resources and will have access to Sandy Hook Promise’s Know The Signs violence prevention programs, including Start with Hello, Say Something, and SAVE Promise Clubs. The integration is expected to be fully complete by June 30, 2025.

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