The HAMO Foundation
Our approach
The Henry Alan Munson Owen Foundation works with communities to raise awareness and provide accessible tools around mental health. The HAMO Foundation encourages reading and literacy through Henry’s Helpers, and offers scholarships as a message of hope to those who share and embody Henry’s spirit.
Henry’s Story
Henry Alan Munson Owen died by suicide on September 17, 2020 at the age of 17.
Henry was a Renaissance Man. He was a multi-faceted individual with many talents: from being a great athlete, competing in wrestling, baseball, basketball, and football, to enjoying performing in school theater performances. On both stages, his charismatic personality captivated not only those in the audiences, but his fellow performers as well.
Those closest to Henry will tell you Henry was always an, “old soul.” At an early age, Henry’s grandpa, Docca, taught Henry about the stock market. Henry was appalled when he went to Kindergarten and discovered his classmates didn’t also “play the stock market.” He never ceased to make everyone smile and laugh. He was devoted to helping others and had many special friends at local nursing homes. Henry would brighten their days with flowers or simply with his ear-to-ear grin that caused his eyes to squint shut.
Henry knew no strangers. He was outgoing and had a love of life that was contagious to all that crossed his path. Henry’s incredible friends from all walks of life meant the world to him. He was a bright young man, a disciplined athlete and would offer help to anyone who needed it. His loyalty and compassion were shared effortlessly with all of his friends and family.
The HAMO Foundation was created to continue Henry’s legacy.
Our initiatives
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Mental Health Awareness
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Henry's Helpers
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HAMO Scholarship
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Here to Hear You
Mental Health Resources
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
move mindfully
Zero Suicides
On Our Sleeves
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If there is an immediate safety concern, please ALWAYS dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room!
Make a donation.
The HAMO Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds go directly towards supporting our mission: to work with communities to raise awareness and provide accessible tools around mental health. The Foundation also encourages reading and literacy through Henry’s Helpers and offers scholarships as a message of hope to those who embody Henry’s spirit. In the past four and a half years, we were able to give over $55,000 in scholarships to individuals in high school and beyond, reaching multiple schools and states. We have hosted over 275 hours of Henry’s Helpers read aloud with countless volunteers, and funded five program strategies to support mental health education. This includes Here to Hear You which is being implemented in several states and has expanded to 3 countries already. Most importantly we have used our resources to connect with individuals local and abroad. Hearing the stories of each and every person drives us to continue our mission in building a network of support. Your donation matters and can make all the difference.
“In today’s world people lead busy lives and this leaves kids with the feeling that there is no-one to listen. This program is determined to provide trusted adults in your local community that will make space for kids to talk through life’s trials and issues that are facing young people today.”
— BIRK
“The HAMO Foundation isn’t just about bringing awareness to others but it’s more about bringing a community and people from all over the world together and learning how to be there for others when they need it. They raise awareness by doing activities and bringing those together, but they also have so many helpful resources on their website if you ever just need to take a breath of air or even learn some tips on how to move forward. It is truly something that I have never experienced before. Every time I go to an event or just talk to someone who works for the organization, it brings me so much pleasure and happiness every time, because I am getting heard and they are listening. The HAMO Foundation brings so much to this wonderful life and not only do they make a huge impact on communities and people, they strive to do their best for anyone. They will go above and beyond if you ask them for any advice or support. I am forever grateful for this foundation because it has truly tremendously changed my mental health and my overall well-being as a person.”
— ANONYMOUS 18 YEAR OLD