ABOUT THE MOVEMENT

WE ARE A 100% VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION!

Mission:
We are a 501c3 non-profit, whose mission is to promote a positive outlook on life, reduce the stigma associated with depression/mental illness, and ultimately prevent suicide through various activities, events, & outreach.
Vision:
We want #LIVIN to be universally recognized as an inspiring symbol of mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

WE ARE A 100% VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION!

mission

Prevent suicide by creating quality connections through
everyday conversations about mental health, by way of programs and partnerships.

We can’t change the past, but together we can affect the future!

Vision

We want #LIVIN to be a universally recognized movement that promotes a world that is just as
comfortable talking about mental health as it is the weather.

Start the Conversation, Listen with Intent, Get Busy #LIVIN

STARTING THE CONVERSATION

Events & Outreach

We support and participate in many activities and outreach including community and speaking engagements.

We have events all year round regarding the importance of mental health. Contact Us if you are interested in hosting an event!

Check our Facebook for all the latest events!

Executive Leadership Team

  • Read Bio

Paul "PT" Thomas Hohag

Founder/Chairman

  • read bio

Kaitlin Daeges

Executive Director

  • read bio

Shawn Pucylowski

Board Member
  • read bio

Jack Zipoy

Board Member

  • read bio

Sean Haines

LivinConnected Business Development Director

  • read bio

Maria Schugel

Camp LIVIN Director

Sarah Wahoske

Merchandise Director

Raquell Lundequam

Administrative Coordinator

Advisory Board

  • READ BIO

Charlie Kanan

CEO & Chairman, Waytek Inc.
  • READ BIO

Matt Lind

CPA, Myslajek Kemp Spencer, LTD

  • READ BIO

Julia Yach

Director of Marketing, Canvas Health
  • READ BIO

Allie Grack

President, Workhorse Marketing
  • READ BIO

Jon Schindel

Partner, SchindelSegal, PLLC
  • READ BIO

Mary Serie

Client Executive, SAP Concur
  • READ BIO

Stacy Ramacher

Emeritus
  • READ BIO

Ashley Lawson

Senior Philanthropy Officer, Children’s Minnesota

501(c)3 Organization
Tax ID: 47-3383175
view our 501(c)3 documentation
Financial Grants
LIVIN Foundation’s grant program provides help, hope and hugs to families and individuals in need. This could be due to a loss by suicide, or current mental health treatment or suicide prevention measures needed. Examples could include; funeral, household expenses, general care (including groceries, yard care, childcare), rent or tuition premiums.
Approved and awarded grants from the LIVIN Foundation will be sent directly to the vendor for the request (not the individual). Grant applications accepted year-round, with requests being reviewed by the LIVIN Foundation Grant Committee, within the 4th quarter of each year. Fill out the “Get in Touch” form below and select “Financial Grant Request” to start your application. Please provide as many details as possible.
mental health resources
subscribe to our newsletter
© 2022 Livin Foundation. All rights reserved.

Follow us!

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Linkedin-in Paypal Envelope

*The LIVIN Foundation does not provide mental heath services. We connect you with the help you need. Please

visit our Looking for Help tab if you need help.


#LIVIN is trademarked and owned by the LIVIN Foundation.

Paul "PT" Thomas Hohag

Founder and Chairman of the Board
My name is Paul Thomas Hohag and I’m one of the founders of the LIVIN Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 whose mission is to raise awareness about depression/mental health issues in the hopes of preventing suicide.
On Jan 21st 2013 my life was transformed when a Bloomington police officer informed me that my father had taken his own life. My father, Thomas Hohag, was not only the most important and influential person in my life but also was an amazing husband, father, neighbor, and friend. And, tragically, he was gone. The “Hawk” was the kind of person who you loved to be with because he made you feel better about who you were. That’s what made him special…his ability to connect with others. It didn’t matter if you were a friend of 40 years or a stranger at the convenience store—he would probably put a smile on your face.
When he died, there were many unanswered questions and I struggled for a while with many emotions–frustration, anger, sadness, pain–until I came to a conclusion. Instead of focusing on the way he died, I needed to embrace the way he LIVED. I needed to encourage others to TALK about depression & suicide instead of hiding it due to embarrassment. This way we could reduce the stigma associated with depression and other mental illnesses and maybe, just maybe, save a life in the process.
That is what we have with the LIVIN Foundation–let’s encourage people to be appreciative of the people and things in their lives, let’s chase and live dreams (big or small), let’s laugh with each other (or be ok to cry with each other), and let’s do it in the hope that if someone, somewhere is struggling with depression that they aren’t afraid to step up and ask for help. Let’s be aware of the signs of depression so that we may notice a friend, family member or even a stranger who may be struggling and need some help.
Let’s embrace life & “GET BUSY #LIVIN” because remember…it is ALWAYS a great day to be alive

Kaitlin Daeges

Executive Director

Kaitlin Daeges has been part of the LIVIN Foundation for over 4 years. Kaitlin brings more than 16 years of operational and contact center experience in startup companies and large corporations with a proven track record of significantly increasing profitability and shareholder value. Kaitlin has achieved these results by creating a strong leadership team and a vibrant corporate culture that improves efficiencies and enhances processes within organizations. After losing her father to suicide when she was 12, she has decided to turn her own personal tragedy into driving passion to give back and ultimately prevent suicide so that no other families have to experience what hers did. Her professional and personal experiences continue to drive the #LIVIN movement forward.

Shawn Pucylowski

Board Member

Shawn Pucylowski has been part of the LIVIN Foundation for over one year. Shawn’s background is in finance, with his current role being CFO of Management Research Services, Inc. in the Milwaukee area. Shawn’s experience with start up organizations and strategic vision for growth, are a great asset to the LIVIN foundation.

Jack Zipoy

Board Member
Jack Zipoy is an executive board member and has been part of the organization for over 2 years. Jack is a Senior Account Executive for Gartner. His version of #LIVIN is spending time with his three kids, beautiful wife and golfing!

Sean Haines

LivinConnected Business Development Director

Sean joins the Advisory Board of LIVIN with over 25 years of Operational experience, including 19 years
as an entrepreneur running a midsized technology installation company before moving to Master
Technology Group in Eden Prairie in 2017.
Sean and his wife Katie started Stomp Out Suicide (501c3) after losing their daughter in 2011. SOS
focused on bringing families together through events, public speaking, and training /implementing
Hazelton’s Lifeline program in 22 school districts across MN. In 2017, Sean and Katie made the decision
to hand off SOS to Canvas Health who continues to grow and operate the summer event.
Sean’s other interests include being on the boat in the summer, fishing, hunting, and spending time with
his son Jake and wife Katie.
Sean is excited to join the LIVIN family and hopes his passion for mental health and his professional
experience will assist in continuing to grow the movement.

Maria Schugel

Camp LIVIN Director
Congratulations to Maria Schugel for receiving one of our annual LIVIN Foundation Rockstar Volunteer Awards! Maria is our Camp LIVIN Director and has over 30 years of experience running camps. We are lucky that she has been part of LIVIN for over 3 years! We also want to recognize Brooke Hohag for being the visionary and mastermind behind the creation of Camp LIVIN and introducing Maria to LIVIN. Together, these two are paving the way for a new concept of quality connection and impacting lives.
When asked why she is so passionate about LIVIN, she had this to say; “It’s the people that I am able to connect and work with that make it all worth it.The amount of passion, energy and dedication I have felt is like none other. It’s an honor to be able to connect with families and be part of their journey. Camp is a unique and powerful experience that has changed lives, including mine!”
#RockstarVolunteerAward #Volunteer #Dedicated #Loyal #Genuine #Selfless #StartTheConversation #ReduceTheStigma #GetBusyLIVIN #LIVIN #ItsYourStory

Sarah Wahoske

Merchandise Director
We would like to introduce you to Sarah Wahoske, our new Merchandise Director! Sarah is a proud Minnesota native now residing in Madison, WI (don’t worry, she’s not a full on cheese-head!) and mom of two amazing children. She’s the owner and creator of Not Your Plain Sarah Jane, a fashion blog and personal styling service.

When asked why she is so passionate about LIVIN, she had this to say; “I love creating and bringing merchandise to life for this amazing organization with a cause so prevalent in today’s world.”

Look for lots of new and limited edition merch coming soon! Start shopping now: https://bit.ly/3mV7Bl7

#Volunteer #Passion #Merchandise #Swag #Dedicated #Loyal #Genuine #Selfless #StartTheConversation #ReduceTheStigma #GetBusyLIVIN #LIVIN #ItsYourStory

Raquell Lundequam

Administrative Coordinator
Raquell is a military wife and Mom to three children. She’s an avid coffee drinker, country music listener and loves to volunteer. If she can give one person a smile, a hug or glimpse of hope that day; It brings her true joy. #LIVIN found her when she personally needed some hope. The foundation has helped her family and she would like to continue helping others however she can.

Charlie Kanan

CEO & Chairman, Waytek Inc.
Charlie Kanan grew up in the Excelsior community and has been active with many groups throughout his life. Leadership contributions to the community are a regular part of Charlie’s life.  When there is an opportunity to build community, solve problems within the community, or help others, Charlie wants to be involved. Charlie’s business experience spans more than 40 years in a variety of senior leadership and board member positions. Industries included; Burger King, Haagen-Dazs, Play it Again Sports and Fitness and Miracle Ear. He’s currently the CEO and Chairman of the Board at Waytek Inc., a national distributor of electrical supplies. Along his journey, he makes sure to incorporate his life philosophy to “give more than you receive.

Matt Lind

CPA, Myslajek Kemp Spencer, LTD

Matt plays a leading role in Myslajek Kemp & Spencer, Ltd.’s tax department focusing on taxation of corporations, partnerships and exempt entities.  Matt is originally form Jordan, Minnesota and after graduating from Augustana University in 2008, began his career in public accounting.  He has also taken on numerous advocacy projects including Distracted Driving and “Hands Free” driving initiatives passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2018.  Matt’s other interests include riding his bike, running on the Minneapolis trails and spending time at the family cabin.

Julia Yach

Director of Marketing, Canvas Health
As Canvas Health’s Marketing and Development Director, Julia Yach is responsible for the agency’s fundraising, marketing, communications, and special events efforts. She has over 20 years of experience in the marketing and communications field, including serving as Director of Marketing at the Autism Society of Minnesota. She holds her BA in Public Relations and Electronic Publishing from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Julia loves live music, running, traveling, and spending time with her two teenagers and husband. She’s proud to be a member of the LIVIN Advisory Board because she’s passionate about increasing access to help for those who struggle with their mental health.

Allie Grack

President, Workhorse Marketing

With having felt the impact of mental health and suicide in her life, supporting #LIVIN is a passion for her. Upon hearing the mission, there was no question she would do what she could to advance the mission. Allie has been in Marketing for over 30 years and has decades of entrepreneurial experience as well. She owned and operated several of her own businesses prior to starting Workhorse Marketing along with her 3 partners, giving her the unique perspective of a business owner as it relates to the importance of marketing. She loves to share her knowledge and experience with non-profits as well. As a member of the advisory board for both the Midwest Country Music Organization as well as The #LIVIN Foundation. She supports many others as well. As much as marketing is her passion, so is travel. With a wandering spirit and thirst for adventure she will work from anywhere on the globe just to keep exploring. She is the travel planner for all her friends and family and will spend endless hours looking for new places to traverse. With one trip always on the calendar she is driven by meeting new people and learning new things that’s her #LIVIN.

Mary Serie

Client Executive, SAP Concur

Mary Serie is one of our Advisory Board members! She grew up just outside of Detroit and moved to Minnesota in 2006 and attended the University of Minnesota (undergrad) and the University of St. Mary’s Winona (graduate). She spent the first 8 years of her career working in the nonprofit sector – specifically with grants, events and large corporate partnerships. She transitioned into the technology sector leading a global channel partner program and most recently working at Concur.

Mary is most excited to continue to use her nonprofit expertise for a cause that silently affects so many people. Mary’s version of #LIVIN is being outdoors and spending time with her family! Thank you for helping us grow the organization, Mary!

Stacy Ramacher

Emeritus

Stacy has been part of the LIVIN Foundation from day 1, when it was founded in 2015! Chances are that if you are receiving a check or an invoice is being paid by LIVIN, that Stacy is the one taking care of it! Stacy, her husband Derek and the entire Ramacher family have been and continue to be extremely dedicated to the #LIVIN movement and are there whenever we need them.  When asked why she is so passionate about LIVIN, she had this to say; “The foundation is very near and dear to my heart. I’m honored to be part of the movement. It is important to me to be able to spread the message, with hopes of giving others the encouragement to talk openly about their mental health. Be kind as you never know what battles one might be facing.”

Ashley Lawson

Senior Philanthropy Officer, Children’s Minnesota

Meet Ashley Lawson, Advisory Board Member! As a Senior Philanthropy Officer at Children’s Minnesota, Ashley Lawson connects donors and community partners with the incredible mission of raising healthier kids. She has over 14 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, and is passionate about improving the lives of others. Ashley received her B.A. in Communications from the University of North Dakota, and her Master in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota. In addition to her professional work, she enjoys traveling, seeing any kind of live music, spending time with friends and family, and has been a coach to the Special Olympics Minnesota team, the Minneapolis Eagles, for more than 10 years. We are so grateful to have Ashley on the team!

 
Newsletter
Donate