Hope Starts Here 2025

We invite you to join us for our Annual Hope Starts Here event, on Saturday, November 22nd 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. The cost is $25 per person and includes lunch.

Event Agenda

9:00-10:00 AM – Check In

• Welcome food and beverages

• Visit local resource and vendor/activity tables

​Welcome - Barb Smith, President SRRN

Panel Discussion

Lunch Provided (on site)

Keynote Speaker – Donna Schuurman

Closing

We are pleased to announce this year's Keynote Speaker:

We are excited to welcome Donna L. Schuurman, EdD, FT, Senior Director of Advocacy & Education at the Dougy Center in Portland, Oregon, as our keynote speaker. Dr. Schuurman is internationally recognized as a leading authority on grief and bereaved children, teens, and families. In addition to authoring Never the Same: Coming to Terms with the Death of a Parent (St. Martin’s Press, 2003), she has been a trusted expert featured in major publications such as The New York Times, USA Today, and Redbook. Dr. Schuurman has provided guidance to communities worldwide following tragedies including the Oklahoma City bombing, the 9/11 attacks, the Tohoku Earthquake, and the Sandy Hook school shootings.

Dr. Schuurman will be sharing the topic of “Gone Too Soon: Navigating Life After Someone Dies from Suicide” How do we make sense of why people die of suicide? What do you do after someone in your life dies from suicide? In this heartfelt session, we’ll explore the stigmas related to suicide, discuss how language shapes our responses and support, and consider what facilitates and hinders compassionate responses.

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.

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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.