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Join us for an evening of remembrance, support, and hope on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31st. Be The Light is a FREE family friendly event registered through the International Overdose Awareness Global Campaign that will be held in the lower pavilion at Point Gratiot Park, Dunkirk NY.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
• Jade Giambrone: Enjoy the soulful music of singer and acoustic guitarist Jade Giambrone between speakers.
• Seneca Grief and Loss Support Group: Franchesca Jones, a peer recovery coach and facilitator of the group, will speak about the power of peer support.
• Captain Chris Witkowski: Captain of the Dunkirk Police Department will be discussing the Good Samaritan Law.
• Jamie Probst from Chautauqua Hospice and Palliative care: Jamie will be speaking on the “Memorial Light Tower” in honor of those we have lost to accidental overdose.
• Jennifer Larson from Together We Can CHQ Coalition & Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene: Jennifer will be announcing the starting of a new community family support workshop “Invitation to Change” that focuses on supporting concerned significant others and educating them on how to support themselves and their loved one who lives with addiction while also encouraging their loved one to seek treatment.
• Emma Kubica from Safe Point: Emma will discuss the transformative impact of peer professional support.
• Taylor Samuelson from Chautauqua County Mobile Crisis Team: Taylor will offer education on the mental health crisis services that are assessable in our county and the work they are currently doing in our community.
• Bri Jaynes from Breaking Chains – The Whitney Project: Bri will share her journey and how her sister’s passing due to accidental overdose inspired the project.
• Purple Glow Stick Vigil: As the sun sets, we’ll come together for a moving vigil to honor those we’ve lost. Before our vigil we will hear a few words from Reverend Jim LaBarr who will also lead us into a moment of silence.
• Mingle with local helpers who are representing our partnering community based organizations and gain access to local recovery/addiction/mental health resources for both adults and adolescents.
• Temporary Tattoo station
• Butterfly Themed Crafts
• Narcan training & access to harm reduction supplies
• Sign your loved one’s name on our Memorial Light Tower and say their name as we remember them with honor.
• Resource swag bags & Snacks
• Join us for a group picture before our purple glow wand vigil
Together, we can work towards a future where no more lives are lost to overdose.
Stay tuned for more details, and thank you for your continued support.