Windows event raises awareness, hope for recovery, suicide
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Participants walk past a “HOPE” sign during the Windows of Hope event Thursday evening at the Recovery Zone. (EXAMINER PHOTO | REUBEN MEES)
Reaching out to others is one of the most difficult part of finding recovery from mental illness and addiction, but having a community that cares is the key to making that possible, several speakers said during the first-time Windows of Hope event Thursday evening.
“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know what I would do; I didn’t know where I would turn to,” said Gina Kennedy, who suffers from depression. “And then I came here to the Recovery Zone.”
The Recovery Zone, located at 440 S. St. Paris St., is a peer-run support center for individuals with mental illness.
Ms. Kennedy thought up the concept of the Windows of Hope event to both raise money — about $800 by the end of the night — for the nonprofit organization and as a way to raise awareness of the resources it offers. The event, which featured a variety of windows painted with messages of hope or tranquil images, also benefited the Suicide Prevention Coalition.
“We want to get the stigma out of mental illness and make people aware that it is real and is something that can make people want to take their own lives,” Ms. Kennedy said. “If you know anyone this holiday season, send them a note or do something. They need to know someone cares.”
Read complete story in Friday’s Examiner.
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