Kym Klass, Renewed & Restored

This month’s cover profile is Kym Klass, an experienced journalist and author many of you are familiar with from her work at the Montgomery Advertiser. She currently serves as the Communications Director at Frazer Church, which has provided new challenges and a renewed growth in her faith. Kym, through her life experiences, has also become involved with mental health and the importance for people to have a better understanding of it. In fact, she is leading the second annual Faith Meets Mental Health Summit, May 6-7 at Frazer and welcomes those interested to register for this unique opportunity to engage more deeply with a life topic that has been somewhat avoided. You can learn more at www.frazer.church/mentalhealth. Kym is also tuned in to her new age of 52 and what it means to age well. She provides a unique perspective many of us can be inspired by or at least help us in our own journey of aging well. We think you’ll enjoy getting to know Kym this month and sharing her with your friends and family.

BOOM!: Please give us a brief biography, i.e., where you’re from, education, what brought you to the Montgomery area, did you raise your family here, schools, family, etc.?

Kym: I call Texas home. That’s how I always respond when someone asks, “Where are you from?”

And for some reason, it’s asked a lot in Montgomery – but not near as much as what church I attend (Frazer), and who I go for (Auburn). I am an Army brat, and Texas became my home base after my father retired from the U.S. Army near San Antonio in the early 1990s. I attended five high schools, and landed exactly where I belonged after thumbing through a college directory book and finding Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos. While there, I earned a degree in Mass Communication, Print Journalism (minor: Psychology).

I have lived in Prattville since 2007 – and raised my daughter, Jenna, here as she attended Prattville Christian Academy from K4 through 12th grade. We love our community, and she is proud to continue calling it home while she’s studying computer science/gaming animation at Oklahoma Christian University.

BOOM!: Kym you are probably best known in the River Region through your work at the Montgomery Advertiser as a reporter and columnist, would you share with our readers the how and why you decided to pursue a career in journalism? What were the more impactful stories you worked on? What was the most rewarding aspect of being a journalist?

Kym: I declared elementary education as my major my freshman year in college. My mother had been a schoolteacher and she passed away from breast cancer my senior year in high school. I wanted to carry on her love for teaching, but after taking an armful of recorders into an elementary classroom to teach them how to play, the intensity of the students blowing into the recorders all at once was enough to let me know that the classroom wasn’t for me. At the urging of a friend of a friend, I was encouraged to write for my university’s newspaper. To be honest, it was because they paid, and I needed a job. After my first story published, I knew in my heart that I had found what I was meant to do the rest of my life.

My journalism career took me through Texas, Louisiana, Virginia, Mississippi, and eventually Alabama, where I was hired at the Montgomery Advertiser in 2007 as a state and business reporter – eventually settling into an enterprise/feature writer position, and later, as a wellness columnist. The newspaper provided the opportunity to develop projects and write stories that impacted a community in immeasurable ways – resulting in the community reaching both in, and out, to each other. I am most proud of Project 7, which highlighted needs at various nonprofits (including Common Ground Montgomery, the Montgomery Area Council on Aging, and the Friendship Mission) and which resulted in the community – as always – providing for their neighbors. Telling stories mattered.

The Montgomery newspaper was the reason I met so many incredible people in our region, including Edward Moye, who turned his life of homelessness and addiction around after seeing his photograph in our paper, and realizing “who” he saw wasn’t who he wanted to be. I met triple-amputee Jessica

Crumpton West, who I interviewed for a Mother’s Day story. She had had scalding hot water thrown on her by her uncle and subsequently lost three limbs. She had the greatest spirit, the most beautiful outlook on life than anyone I’ve ever met to this day. She was the only interview I drove away from that forced me to sit in my car for about 15 minutes after I returned to the newsroom.

I wrote a running column, and later, a wellness column – which became my most passionate work while at the Advertiser. I was given free rein to figure out how the wellness column would develop, and what it did was allow me to open my heart and write about life’s journey. It allowed me to heal through loss, share experiences, and offer hope in the best way I knew how.

BOOM!: As a woman of faith, would you share your Christian Journey, and the guidance God has provided?

Kym: There was a long weekend I spent in Panama City in October 2015, and on one of the days there, I sat for about six hours on the beach. Prayed, meditated, slept. I felt at peace in all aspects of my life – emotionally, spiritually, mentally. I was right where God wanted me. Two weeks after that weekend, my sister died by suicide. Two days after that, I was in my father’s guest room in Texas, and could feel God’s presence in the room just waiting for me. He filled every inch. I reached my hand out – palm out – and said, “You can wait.” And I didn’t pray for seven days. I was so angry, hurt, confused, in so much pain. Slowly, after that week, I began talking to Him, praying for others. In my mind, I had to rebuild mentally in my spiritual life. I knew God never left me. I know He wept with me, and I had to trust that, and move forward. I didn’t give myself a choice. My faith has only grown since then – stronger than when I spent time at the beach. To be honest, I thought it had been a strong journey to get where I was by the time I reached Frazer. But since being here, I’ve been able to surrender more and more and more. All. I’ve been able to see God work in others’ lives, and irrevocably, in mine.

BOOM!: A few years ago, you wrote a book called, One More Day: a powerful true story of suicide, loss, and a woman’s newfound faith. Would you please explain the motivation and purpose of the book and its impact on your life?

Kym: I wanted to share my sister, Katie’s, story so she wouldn’t only be remembered for how she died. I wanted her life remembered. I wanted people to understand that she struggled, that she fought, she laughed, and that she really lived. But that she also lived with depression. I wanted other families – other suicide loss survivors – to know they are not alone in their grief. That there is light and hope. And that together, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health, around mental illnesses, and around suicide.

The book also shares my personal struggles with her passing. All the questions. All the “what ifs.” My ensuing depression. My faith. Our family’s survival. Our eventual laughter that returned. Our hope. And our fight to keep fighting.

The book’s impact on my life? It started conversation – it opened people up to sharing. That’s all I’ve ever wanted. I desire for people to know it’s ok to talk about mental health struggles. About depression. Suicide. About not being ok – and about that being ok. The book was written so we wouldn’t lose another person.

BOOM!: In January 2021, you moved away from journalism to become the Director of Communications for Frazer Church. Please explain what your roles are in this new position and the unique challenges they represent compared to your work in the newspaper industry? Frazer Church has been an anchor for the local Christian community and continues to attract families of all ages to worship, how would you describe its appeal?

Kym: During my second-round interview at Frazer, I was asked to share my faith journey. And immediately, I knew Frazer would be a unique opportunity to grow not only professionally, but spiritually. And I was excited.

My role consists of overseeing all internal and external communication for our church – from advertising, social media, our App, website, bulletins, media interviews, script writing, working with graphic designers, and consulting with vendors for various printing and design needs. I am also humbled to oversee our annual mental health summit, Faith Meets Mental Health.

Coming in with a journalism background, my biggest challenge, aside from having to learn a design program from the ground up, was writing shorter sentences. I write long – bulletin announcements need only two sentences to my dozen – and the job has forced me to become more concise and deliberate with my words and work.

It was evident in my first few weeks on campus that every single person at Frazer belongs there. Whether that is in a staff position or volunteer work, it is clear God has His hand on everyone there who works toward one common goal: to bring people closer to Christ. It shows in the work and in our outreach.

On Sundays and on every other day of the week. To me, that is the appeal. That Jesus is seen in our actions.

BOOM!: You have a passion for serving in the area of mental health, how did you get involved with mental health advocacy? Please share what organizations you are involved with and in what capacity? How can our readers engage with mental health issues?

Kym: I became involved with mental health advocacy after we lost my sister. The first group I began learning more about as I started covering mental health issues for the Advertiser is the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). I currently serve as vice president of the state chapter, and on the state’s advocacy committee. NAMI is a nationwide, grassroots mental health organization that offers educational programs, and advocates for individuals and families affected by mental illness. It is the perfect fit for those who want to use their voice and personal stories to bring attention to what is a mental health crisis in our country. If you or someone needs help, please dial 988. Or text NAMI to 741741.

BOOM!: One of the major projects you have spearheaded at Frazer is the summit, Faith Meets Mental Health: Living with Hope. The 2023 summit will take place Saturday, May 6. Would you share more about the summit, its purpose and value to the River Region?

Kym: Frazer is hosting this summit for the entire community on the intersection between faith and mental health to equip everyone to better recognize and respond to mental health needs. We are prayerful our second annual summit weekend May 6-7 will help break down stigmas associated with mental health. We truly desire for this summit to equip everyone to better recognize and respond to mental health needs.

Dr.

Matthew Sleeth,

executive director of Blessed Earth, is our keynote speaker. Our state’s mental health commissioner Kimberly Boswell is returning to speak at the summit this year, and will be joined by Jeff Hand of Fishers Farm, Dewayne Rembert of Flatline Movement, Dr. Steve Wages of Faulkner University, Crissa Letson with Asbury Church, and Loresa Stansell of Stansell Counseling in Florence.

On Sunday, May 7, our keynote speaker, Dr. Matthew Sleeth, will provide the message during both our 8:30 AM and 11 AM services. Registration and information can be found at www.frazer.church/mentalhealth

BOOM!: What is it about living in the Montgomery/River Region area that you like? What do we need more of?

Kym: I appreciate the connectivity of the River Region. The growth, the expansion, the hospitality –the small-town feel and the generosity you expect, and then actually receive. I often feel what we have is exactly what we need – that it is what makes our town exactly what people love about it. Specifically, have you been to Main Street in Prattville? The shops, hair salons, Uncle Mick’s Cajun Restaurant, ax throwing, a Cross Fit gym. All on one street. It is the perfect place to unwind, walk along the creekwalk, and enjoy time with family and friends.

I’m just grateful that the beach is only three hours away, and the mountains, less than that. We’re sandwiched perfectly between it all.

BOOM!: How do you like to relax and wind down from a full day of activity?

Kym: I often head to the Prattville Creekwalk or the Bamboo Forest with my dog to just decompress and unwind during the week. Or I will catch up with a friend, cook, journal –anything to allow my mind to rest.

BOOM!: With a busy life, how do you like to spend time with family and friends? Describe your experience as a mom?

Kym: Anyone who knows me knows I usually ask, “Can I bring my dog?” when there’s an opportunity to relax and unwind with family or friends outside of the home. From traveling to Florida and Oklahoma and Texas, to Georgia wineries, and hiking in Birmingham, Sadie is usually in tow. I’m finding the more grandiose the adventure, the more apt I am to saying no. I appreciate simple, meaningful connectivity with others.

My experience as a mom continues to be my most rewarding job. Jenna is the bright light in my world. We spent most of her young life just the two of us – at home, on the soccer fields, driving to school, cooking, taking vacations together – and while I do miss her being home, I know she is where she belongs in Oklahoma. She has become an amazing young adult: funny, smart, driven, honest, compassionate. And I am honored God saw fit to make me her mother. She has made my experience easy because of her good-natured ways, because she never failed to put God first, and because she loves unconditionally. I wasn’t a perfect mom – and together we weathered through some of the worst storms – but we always knew we’d come out on top. A little worn, but on top and stronger for it. Together.

BOOM!: What are some of your favorite travel experiences? Favorite getaway spot? Any travel dreams planned?

Kym: Honestly, nothing beats the Grand Canyon. The magnificence of its creation is unparalleled. It is quiet, surreal, and forces you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Still, I promise if you just drop me in the middle of a field, I’d be content. I love visiting the Hill Country in Texas and find I’m most at peace there. Locally, I have found myself hiking Ruffner Mountain in Birmingham, or making the drive to Cheaha State Park to catch its views and sunsets.

BOOM!: As you’ve aged, how have your priorities changed? How would you describe what it means to “age well”?

Kym: Well, every year my bedtime gets earlier. So, either I’m just getting older or learning to prioritize my rest. I prioritize how I spend my time – and am intentional about who I spend time with. I crave authenticity, and surround myself on a deep level with those who can let their guard down and be who God created them to be.

To age well: simple. Drink a lot of water, exercise, and sleep. Laugh a lot. Find a partner or friends who make you do that. Who are honest, who aren’t afraid of asking the hard questions, or giving the hard advice. As we become older, our core circle can shrink – so aging “well” means keeping good company with people who will bring out the best in you without reserve.

BOOM!: Do you have any hobbies or other activities that grab your attention?

Kym: Are naps a hobby? Because I would love one.

I love to travel. More specifically, I love to drive. I can spend 12 hours on the road and not be fazed. It rejuvenates me. The road grabs my attention, and keeps it. It’s where I think the most, and the best. I listen to podcasts, music, or even drive in silence for hours. And I’m fortunate in my destinations – the open roads (and very open fields) in Oklahoma. The calming waters in Florida to visit my father and his wife. To the Hill Country in Texas, when I’m able.

I’ve been a runner since I was 12 years old. It is the one part of my life where worries disappear. Where I feel free, strong, at peace. It is the (very early) time of the day just for me, allowing me to be in tune to every step and appreciate what my body is still able to do.

BOOM!: Many people, as they age, experience a renewed sense of purpose, new goals, etc. How would you describe this sense of renewal in your life? Any advice for the rest of us seeking renewal?

Kym: I have found a sense of renewal in saying both yes and no. To invitations, to events, to time away from my house that includes wearing something other than yoga pants and a sweatshirt. I have also found that any new goals set must meet requirements of whether it is in the best interest of my overall well-being. Will I still get the sleep I need? Will I still be able to keep a work/life balance – or will it sway more toward exhaustion? If I had told my 20- or 30-year-old self this, I wouldn’t have believed it. Those are invincible years. In my 40s, I started feeling a shift. But I honestly feel the best is yet to come. I feel a freedom at my age I hadn’t felt previously, and encourage anyone to find that within themselves. In seeking renewal, there’s taking ownership for decisions made, letting go of past hurts, forgiving even when you don’t receive apologies. To me, it is freeing your mind and being at peace with who you are, where you are today, and to allow yourself the space to move forward.

BOOM!: What are some of the future challenges you’re contemplating for yourself? Writing projects, new book?

Kym: There’s always another book. There’s always another story. The challenge for me is finding the best way to tell it.

BOOM!: Give us three words that describe you?

Kym: Faithful. Strong. Quiet.

We want to thank Kym for sharing some of her life's story with us this month. Kym is involved with her work at Frazer Church and her interest in mental health issues. To learn more visit www.frazer.church or email Kym at kklass@frazer.church You can also visit www.nami.org to learn more about mental health. We hope you’ll share Kym's story with friends and family, they’ll enjoy the reading experience. Thanks to DiAnna Paulk and her creative photography skills, you're the best! If you have questions, comments, or suggestions about our cover profiles, including nominating someone, please text them to Jim Watson at 334.324.3472 or email them to jim@riverregionboom.com