ALL Club on Main, A Place Where Hope Lives
September is here, and although we are about to enter the world of Fall festivals and Hayride fun, each year I feel the call to remind others that September is also National Suicide Awareness Month. In my world, the opportunity to bring awareness to mental health is personal. I’ve been writing about suicide awareness for over 12 years in honor of my two brothers. Although their passing was laden with pain, their light and love continue to inspire me to bring purpose to our family’s loss. I talk about my brothers all the time in hopes that my heart connection with them will make a difference for those who struggle with self-worth.
As a local suicide awareness advocate, I’ve been offered opportunities to speak at local high schools. When I look out onto an auditorium full of young and promising people, I share my story of loss so that others, especially those so young, might open the windows of their emerging hearts to the greater world where pain and despair are part of our shared humanity. I’m also quite sure the best chance to eradicate the epidemic of suicide is to reach those who are growing into themselves amidst a very complicated world.
Through my outreach, I’ve come to deeply appreciate local efforts that support our youth who might feel left out or limited in opportunities. Exploring avenues to extend each person into their greatness is a most noble mission. One such place is called ALL Club on Main. This organization is a service of Goodwill Easterseals of Miami Valley and was created to empower youth. The acronym ALL stands for allyship, life skills and leadership. The aim is to help build a community of young people who support each other through the challenges of mental health, isolation, trauma and substance abuse. It’s an after-school program open to all students in grades 7-12.
Recently, I was provided an opportunity to tour ALL Club on Main. The atmosphere of this space was vibrant, inviting and encouraging. The adult leaders expressed passion and enthusiasm when they talked about the kids they serve. The space provides an opportunity for these kids to talk about their day, share difficulties or heartache, and be lifted by the power of community. There’s a computer lab, inviting space for collaboration, and kitchen facilities. Kids plan menus and cook for one another. They take field trips, propose their own activities, create agendas, and take leadership roles in how to self-direct growth and learning.
I listened to the adult mentors celebrate their students’ potential despite the profound obstacles some of them face. I tried to imagine how a 15-year-old could feel any semblance of hope when in the throes of poverty, addiction, or trauma. Providing an opportunity to gain strength and empowerment from their adversities just might be a gamechanger for them. I found myself overcome with gratitude and admiration for this place where such hope lives.
Tragic loss to suicide can be preventable. Therefore, we must persist in identifying those who need help in finding a path forward which includes opportunity and lifegiving choices. ALL Club on Main is an extraordinary place where such a pathway can be found. To learn more, email allclub@gesmv.org. Better yet, if you are so inclined to donate, please go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/YkQGFg?vid=1lj0dz.