EmpowerYOU: Building Mental Wellness and Community Support

Join us on July 16 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the Open Gates Conference Center for an engaging session focused on mental wellness and community support. The program will begin with a brief overview of mental health and suicide awareness, followed by an interactive, moderated discussion featuring Dr. Ashley Eng and Kelly Day from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, with Ashley Colangelo as moderator.
Discussion topics will include:
• Understanding mental health and its impact
• Suicide awareness and prevention basics
• Reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking
• Recognizing warning signs and risk factors
• Starting supportive conversations
• Building resilience and healthy coping strategies
• Managing stress during transitions (including back-to-school)
• Supporting youth, families, and colleagues
• Accessing mental health resources
Lunch will be provided, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and explore practical ways to support mental health in their daily lives.