SHEBOYGAN – Mental Health America Lakeshore will bring community members together for its 21st annual There Is HOPE Walk for Suicide Awareness on Sept. 19 at Deland Park in Sheboygan, an event focused on remembrance, support and suicide prevention.
The walk is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is supported by lead sponsor Acuity, according to a community announcement. Organizers say hundreds of participants gather each September to honor people lost to suicide, support survivors and promote conversations about mental health.
“There Is HOPE has become such a powerful event for our community members impacted by suicide,” said Julie Preder, executive director of MHA Lakeshore. “We are so grateful to continue holding space for connection, support, and hope for survivors of suicide loss and attempts.”
Participants can register beginning at 8:30 a.m. An opening ceremony and speakers are scheduled for 9:30 a.m., followed by a 1- to 3-mile walk along Lake Michigan at 10 a.m. Food, raffles, activities and community sharing will continue through noon, with raffle winners announced at 11:30 a.m.
Community members can nominate HOPE Heroes
Mental Health America Lakeshore is inviting residents to nominate HOPE Heroes, individuals who help others feel supported, valued and connected. Selected nominees will be recognized during the walk.
The event also will feature community activities. Diamond Vue Farms plans to offer a floral arrangement activity for participants wishing to honor loved ones or express themselves creatively. Reinke Links of Plymouth is expected to bring its forever jewelry trailer, giving attendees a chance to design and purchase personalized jewelry.
Registration information is available at https://mhalakeshore.networkforgood.com/events/99123-21st-annual-there-is-hope-walk.
Suicide Awareness Month events planned across the area
Mental Health America Lakeshore has scheduled several events leading up to the walk as part of Suicide Awareness Month activities.
A campaign kickoff event is planned from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 23 at 3 Sheeps Brewing, featuring the Charlie Bucket Band and Reinke Links.
Additional events include the following:
A documentary screening at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, 608 New York Ave., Sheboygan. A date has not been announced.
“Building Hope Through Change,” a free open mic and community resource event from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 16 at WordHaven Bookhouse, 923 N. Eighth St.
Yoga for Mental Wellness at 4:30 p.m. Sept. 18 at Elevate, 617 N. Eighth St., Sheboygan.
Fallooza Fall Festival from Sept. 24-26, benefiting Mental Health America Lakeshore, Rogers Behavioral Health, Samaritans Hand and Pathways to A Better Life.
MHA Lakeshore also hosts ongoing support opportunities, including a Suicide Loss Support Group on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Girl Scouts of Manitou Council, 5212 Windward Court, Sheboygan. The organization’s Hope Is Alive support group for mothers grieving the loss of a child to suicide meets on the third Thursday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at MHA Lakeshore, 410 S. Milwaukee St., Plymouth.
This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Suicide awareness events set in Sheboygan ahead of There Is HOPE Walk
