Full Notification

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, with the support of Trinity Services, Inc., the Village of New Lenox and its Safe Community Coalition are hosting “A Pathway to Hope and Healing.”   Everyone is welcome to attend (citizens, social workers, counselors, first responders, faith-based community, etc.) to learn more about suicide and suicide prevention.  The event will be held at Trinity Services, Inc. 301 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, IL 60451 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm.
 
In an effort to track attendance for this important event, registration is being handled by Eventbrite via this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-pathway-to-hope-and-healing-a-suicide-prevention-educational-event-tickets-1038924119007?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
The Resource Fair, featuring over a dozen organizations that specialize in suicide prevention, will be held from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
 
The Panel Discussion will be held from 6:30pm to 7:30pm will feature:
 
Shelly A. Lewis, a resident of Manhattan for the past 17 years, tragically lost her son Jackson to suicide on June 28, 2020 at the age of 15.  Drawing from her deeply personal experience of losing her son, Shelly will share her story and insights, offering a poignant and heartfelt perspective on the impact of suicide on families.
 
Pearl Casurella, a resident of Oswego, will share her lived experience of losing a spouse with depression and addiction, to suicide.  Pearl has become a Suicide Awareness Advocate, offering a story of hope after loss.  Her goal is to elevate lived experience and broaden the scope of knowledge around suicide.
 
Marie Kress is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and founder of The Mental Wellness Center of Manhattan. Marie has experience diagnosing and treating a variety of mental health issues including mood, anxiety and behavioral disorders, trauma, psychosis and personality disorders.  Marie will discuss suicide and substance use comorbidity and factors that may make one at risk for acting on thoughts of suicide, especially dual diagnosis.
 
Dr. Michael Mecozzi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist.  He and his wife own a private psychology practice, Hope With ME, in New Lenox.  His areas of expertise include treating young adults and adults experiencing anxiety and stress.  Mike will discuss how we can find connection and hope in difficult times. If you or someone you care about is hurting, or if you have lost someone you care about, you may feel alone, and the natural tendency is to isolate. Mike will teach us how to manage the negative thoughts and feelings that keep us isolated, and then teach you how to experience meaning and connection when life is hard. 
 
For additional information regarding this event please contact Daniel Martin, Safe Community Coordinator, Village of New Lenox, via email [email protected] or by phone (815) 462-6493.