Our Story

A Friendship Forged in Purpose

The Just Help Out Foundation was born from a friendship that spans more than a decade and a shared dedication to a cause that is deeply personal. For founders Nichole and Tabatha, two moms who have navigated the challenges of life together, this foundation is a mission of the heart.

Nichole's journey began with a personal tragedy: the loss of her brother to suicide. In the wake of this profound pain, she was determined to create a space of hope and understanding for others. But she didn't have to do it alone. Her longtime friend, Tabatha, a partner in life and motherhood, immediately joined the cause. They both understood the critical importance of breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental health.

As a team, Nichole and Tabatha combine their deep friendship with a passionate commitment to a shared vision. They are two powerhouses working in unison, channeling their shared experiences and unwavering belief into building a community where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered to ask for help. They know firsthand the difference that just one helping hand can make, and together, they are extending that hand to the entire community.

Meet Tabatha, VP

As a lifelong friend of founder Nichole Venegas, Tabatha is the organizational heart of the Just Help Out Foundation. Her journey from a mail carrier to a successful leader in wholesale and construction has given her a unique set of skills that she now pours into the foundation's mission. While Nichole leads with compassion and her personal story, Tabatha is the engine that keeps the organization running, channeling her diverse professional experience into the critical back-end operations.

A devoted mother to four children, including her adopted niece and a sweet little preemie baby boy, Tabatha understands the complexities of family and the profound importance of community. Her personal life, which often involves helping to manage her husband's racing parts store and spending most Saturdays at the racetrack, has instilled in her a deep sense of commitment and a tireless work ethic. This drive is what she brings to the Just Help Out Foundation, working behind the scenes to ensure every event and program is a success.

When Nichole decided to turn her pain into purpose by founding the organization, Tabatha was the first person she called. As Vice President, she applies her meticulous planning and hands-on management to oversee the foundation's daily functions. Her expertise is crucial in managing the website and social media, ensuring the organization's message reaches those who need it most. She is also a key player in grant writing, helping to secure the funding necessary to make the foundation's life-saving work possible.

Together, Tabatha and Nichole are a formidable team—a true partnership built on over a decade of friendship. Tabatha’s unwavering support and strategic mind are a testament to the fact that purpose is not always found in the spotlight; often, it’s found in the quiet, dedicated work that helps a shared vision come to life.

Meet Nichole, Founder

As a single mom to two boys, Nichole Venegas understands the profound complexities of navigating life's challenges. Her journey into mental health advocacy is a testament to her belief that purpose can be found in pain. Though she graduated from law school, Nichole quickly discovered her true calling in helping people heal and find their voice. With deep compassion at the core of her work, she has made it her life mission to ensure that no one suffers silently.

That mission became even more personal after the devastating loss of her only sibling, Joey, who died by suicide in 2022. The grief of losing her brother forever changed her life, but it also lit an unshakable fire within her to make a difference. Nichole has since dedicated her life and career to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy, determined to do everything in her power to ensure that no one else feels the same despair her brother faced. Every client she counsels, every event she organizes, and every story she shares is fueled by the hope that another life might be saved.

Nichole is a Mental Health Counselor at the Genesis Brain Institute and the owner and operator of Handled with Care Counseling, LLC, her private practice where she provides a safe and supportive space for healing. She also works collaboratively with other facilities and organizations to broaden her reach and impact. Always seeking to grow her knowledge, Nichole is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Counseling and Supervision, building upon her Master's in Mental Health Counseling and her Juris Doctorate. Her unique background in both law and counseling gives her a multifaceted perspective and a powerful ability to advocate for those in need.

More than her credentials, Nichole is guided by compassion, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to others. She believes that no one should have to suffer in silence, and she continues to turn her own pain into purpose—leading with both heart and hope.

Meet Kathie, Executive Director

This foundation was born from unimaginable loss—the passing of Kathie’s beloved son, Joey, who died by suicide. In the wake of this tragedy, her daughter, Nichole (who now serves as the foundation's President), and Nichole's dear friend Tabby courageously channeled their grief into compassionate action. They founded the Just Help Out Foundation to raise awareness about mental health, support those struggling, and bravely break the silence that too often surrounds mental illness and suicide.

Being invited to join the board is both humbling and healing for Kathie. As a parent who has lived through this pain, she is deeply committed to the mission, bringing her voice, heart, and unwavering commitment to the cause. She hopes to support families, advocate for open conversations, and help build a world where mental health is prioritized and no one feels alone in their struggle. Kathy carries her son's memory with her every step of this journey.

A native of Wisconsin, Kathie is supported in her efforts by her loving husband, Keith. Beyond her dedication to the foundation, her greatest joy comes from spending time with her family, especially helping Nichole with her two amazing grandsons. Kathy’s dedication to her family mirrors her commitment to ensuring other families receive the support they need.

Meet Yolanda, Community Impact Director

For Yolanda White, joining the Just Help Out Foundation is both deeply personal and profoundly purposeful. A business owner and seasoned professional with years of experience in corporate management, event planning, fundraising, and community outreach, Yolanda brings a wealth of organizational expertise and heart to the foundation’s mission.

Her commitment to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy comes from a place of unimaginable loss — the passing of her husband, Tim, a respected deputy and beloved member of their community, who died by suicide in 2024. That tragedy changed Yolanda’s life forever, but it also ignited a determination to turn her pain into purpose.

In the months that followed, Yolanda found hope and healing through the very organization she now serves. As a “Joey,” she received therapy and support from the Just Help Out Foundation — an experience that gave her the strength to keep going and deepened her belief in the power of compassionate, accessible mental health care. The foundation became more than a source of help; it became a community that lifted her up when she needed it most.

Now, as a board member, Yolanda is committed to giving back to the same mission that helped save her. Whether she’s organizing events, building partnerships, or connecting with families in need, she leads with empathy, authenticity, and a deep desire to make a difference.

A devoted mother of three, Yolanda’s resilience continues to inspire everyone around her. Through her work with the Just Help Out Foundation, she honors Tim’s memory and carries forward his legacy of service, compassion, and dedication to others. Her journey is a reminder that even through loss, there can be healing — and that by just helping out, together, we can bring hope to those who need it most.