Hope Starts Here 2024

We invite you to join us for our Annual Hope Starts Here event, on Saturday, November 23rd at Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth. The Saturday before Thanksgiving is recognized as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, a day to support those who have been impacted by suicide.

We are pleased to announce our keynote speaker will be Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Psy.D. Sally is a suicide loss survivor and former Suicide Loss Division Director for the American Association of Suicidology. She is the co-founder and current President of United Suicide Survivors International. After the suicide of her beloved brother, Sally has dedicated her life to illuminating hope for those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Our morning session will begin with an interview between Gwen Kapcia, Your Grief Guide, and Rachael Wakley, a mother whose daughter died by suicide. Rachael will bravely share her story, and she will answer some questions about her survival. They will discuss the importance of mourning on the inside and releasing our pain on the outside.

In the afternoon, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas will be sharing the topic Hope Illuminated - Turning Our Pain into Purpose after a Suicide Loss. In the aftermath of a suicide loss, the path to healing often feels uncertain and overwhelming. "Hope Illuminated" offers a supportive space to explore how we can transform our grief into a purposeful journey. Focusing on continuing bonds and honoring the lives of those we've lost; this session will delve into the powerful role of spiritual experiences in the grieving process.

Pre-registration required. (Scholarships available if needed)

Please contact us at barb.smith@srrn.net or call 989-781-5260 with any questions.

Hope Starts Here is made possible in part from our Annual Walk for Hope... Depression and Suicide Awareness event.

EVENT AGENDA

9:00-10:00 AM – Check In

• Welcome food and beverages

• Visit local resource and vendor/activity tables

10:00 AM - ​Welcome

Barb Smith, President of the Barb Smith Suicide Resource & Response Network

10:30 AM - Gwen Kapcia, Your Grief Guide and Rachael Wakley, Survivor of Suicide Loss
Rachael will bravely share her story, answer some questions about her survival and they will discuss the importance of mourning on the inside and releasing our pain on the outside. You will gain tools and ideas for your own expression and will be led through an art activity to help you recall and honor your person.

11:30 AM – Art Activities

12:00 PM – Lunch (Included with registration)

1:00 PM – Keynote Speaker - Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas

Will be sharing the topic Hope Illuminated - Turning Our Pain into Purpose after a Suicide Loss. In the aftermath of a suicide loss, the path to healing often feels uncertain and overwhelming. "Hope Illuminated" offers a supportive space to explore how we can transform our grief into a purposeful journey. Focusing on continuing bonds and honoring the lives of those we've lost; this session will delve into the powerful role of spiritual experiences in the grieving process.

2:00 PM – Closing

Hope Starts Here is held annually on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day (recognized the Saturday before Thanksgiving). It is a day for family and friends who have experienced a loss to suicide.

Our  local event is here to care for you. This year's event will be on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Bavarian Inn Lodge. It includes welcome food, lunch, and guest speakers.