DETROIT — Suicide is an epidemic that devastates families all over Detroit everyday. The Covid-19 pandemic has only made this epidemic all the more dire as those at risk have become even more isolated and disconnected from the support and help they so desperately need.
In honor of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, A Single Soul, a suicide prevention and training program housed at Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit, Black Family Development, a Detroit nonprofit dedicated to the health and wellbeing of Black families, and L!FELeaders Inc., a youth leadership and career development program, have come together to announce the 2021 Reach for Hope Benefit. The October 21st event, co-chaired by The Honorable Senator Debbie Stabenow, will raise funds for free suicide prevention training in Detroit.
The benefit will feature a performance of the critically acclaimed play “Right Before I Go”, written by Southfield native and “Golden Girls”, “Gilmore Girls” writer Stan Zimmerman, starring actor Hill Harper and directed by Emilio Rodriguez. The play brings to life the last words of those lost by suicide. This surprisingly light production invokes a raw and authentic approach to storytelling to help broaden public perspective of suicide, eliminate the stigma associated with depression and strengthen the relationships between survivors and those struggling every day.
http://https://vimeo.com/625015927
“In this time and window of COVID, we know that levels of depression has increased dramatically,” said Hill Harper. “We know folks not convening publicly and not coming together has impacted people’s level of loneliness, frustration, depression, feelings about suicide – having a play that goes in that I think is very powerful.”
The evening will include a message from Detroit native and Cass Tech grad Lily Tomlin and will be hosted by author and Fox2 anchor Lee Thomas. Every $10,000 raised will support Black Family Development and A Single Soul in their efforts to offer free suicide prevention training to the community.
Each training helps both laypeople and professionals identify people who are at risk and learn how to effectively connect them to crucial support before it’s too late.
“There are countless lives to be saved,” Rabbi Dan Syme, the retired rabbi of Temple Beth El and founder of A Single Soul, said. “In my 46 years of work, this event is a powerful step in the direction of hope.”
Kenyatta Stephens, CEO of Black Family Development, said “Right Before I Go” is an opportunity to normalize the importance of preventative outreach and supportive treatment on a subject that is often taboo, but costing thousands of Michiganders’ lives each year. This is our chance to change the narrative towards hope.”
L!feLeaders is serving as the fiduciary for the 2021 Reach for Hope Benefit. Founder Amy Nederlander says we collectively can not afford to ignore the issue of suicide and its impact on our youth any longer. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst those ages 15-19,” Nederlander said. “The community needs to normalize the conversation of depression and suicidal thoughts so people can get help. L!FE Leaders youth (ages 14-24) are part of this event because they want to be able to talk about this, and get help.”
Tickets for the 2021 Reach for Hope Benefit range from $10 to $100. Tickets can be purchased on The Reach for Hope Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-2021-reach-for-hope-benefit-tickets-169727408247?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
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