New nonprofit emphasizes dignity for those in need

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A new nonprofit in St. Joseph is partnering with other local organizations to provide resources for those in need of support.

The Unforgotten Project, a newly registered nonprofit in St. Joseph, hopes to provide advocacy, recovery support and educational resources to those in need, according to its mission statement.

Kristin Contreras and Kenneth Rodriguez, co-founders of the Unforgotten Project, said they both bring nonprofit experience, empathy and lived experience to this project.

“There is a lot of lived experience between the two of us,” Contreras said. “I came from a father who was an alcoholic and I was raised by a strong-willed single mother. I also lost my teenage son to a fentanyl overdose.”

When the two of them began looking for ways to reach out to others who have suffered losses and setbacks leading to addiction, they felt like a nonprofit would be a bridge that directly provides resources and facilitates partnerships in the community.

For Rodriguez, the idea started with a concept of what he calls 'one good day.'

“Sometimes in the midst of a hard life or a hard time making bad choices, you forget that there can be good days,” Rodriguez said. “When people come along and do something positive for you, it can begin to bring hope again.”

Rodriguez said his own troubles with the law and addiction during his teens and early 20s showed him how desperate the cycle of crime and addiction can make someone. Now in his 40s, he said that he and Contreras can bring both experience and empathy to people in need.

Contreras, who also works with St. Joseph Youth Alliance, said being able to understand the needs of those who are struggling and have an awareness of local resources, allows the Unforgotten Project to make much needed connections for people who often feel unheard and forgotten.

In the near future, the Unforgotten Project plans to increase its online presence, which has grown to over 200 followers in less than two months. The organization also hopes to find meaningful ways to assist those who need with things like NARCAN and connections to addiction counseling.

For more information, visit the Unforgotten Project on Facebook.