Share Your Light 2024
Our guest speakers shared their personal stories and insights, each shedding light on the importance of vulnerability, resilience, and community support in navigating mental health. Their powerful messages underscored how essential it is to create spaces for open dialogue about mental well-being.
We are also immensely grateful to The Original Vazzy's and Claire's Corner Copia for the delicious, donated food, and to Two Roads Brewery for generously opening their space to host this special event!
Thank you to our incredible sponsors for being an integral part of our mission. Your partnership strengthens our efforts to bring hope and support to those who need it most. Together, we’re building a brighter, more resilient community. We couldn’t do this without you!
Shining Together For Suicide Prevention
On September 10, 2024, we hosted a powerful event in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day.
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation". This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides. Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding, and support.
Attendees came together to create hope through action, hearing from inspiring guest speakers and participating in our first-ever walk, symbolizing unity in the fight against suicide. A special addition this year was the opportunity to write messages or names on luminaries, which served as heartfelt tributes to those affected by suicide and as beacons of hope for prevention.
The evening concluded with talks from those who have experienced loss and mental health struggles, along with a moment of silence, and a candle lighting.
This event and the stories that have been and will continue to be shared reinforce our commitment to raising awareness, particularly in light of the alarming increase in youth and young adult suicides.
Click the image below to check out our event in the CTPost!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Pastor Plunge 2024! The pastors, Rev. Tim Hare of Trumbull Congregational Church and Rev. Todd Shipley of Unity Hill United Church of Christ, braved the chilly waters of Pinewood Lake in support of the mental health and suicide prevention mission of My Friend Abby, Inc.
Reverends Tim and Todd were joined by several other resilient individuals, including members
of the Trumbull High School wrestling team, all of whom survived the icy plunge to enjoy a
Shamrock Shake afterward!
My Friend Abby appreciates the support of the Reverends, and all of the participants and contributors to Pastor Plunge 2024. We hope to see you again next year!