HopeNet of Carpinteria, a grass-roots suicide prevention organization, will hold two events to provide information, resources, and mental health support to the community, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, 865 Linden Ave.
The Mental Health & Wellness Faire will bring together 14 organizations that work with children, youth, parents or seniors to share resources and an opportunity to speak to staff members about their services.
Participants include AgeWell, AHA!, Council on Alcoholism & Drug Abuse (CADA), Carpinteria Childrens' Project (CCP), Carpinteria Community Library, CommUnify, Carpinteria Senior Citizens Inc., Family Service Agency (FSA), HopeNet of Carpinteria, Hospice of Santa Barbara/Compassionate Care of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness, Santa Barbara County Public Health, and YouthWell.
The Annual Candlelight Vigil program in recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day will begin at 7 p.m. to honor and remember those who have died by suicide, survivors and those affected by suicide.
Speakers include Jena Jenkins, director of AgeWell; Michael Cruse, bereavement services manager, Hospice of Santa Barbara; Nuvia Almanza, clinical services director, CommUnify; Ricardo Avila, HopeNet youth board member and senior at San Marcos High School; Fire Chief Robert Kovach.
HopeNet of Carpinteria strives to increase awareness and sensitivity about suicide and suicide prevention. The program includes speakers, candles, a moment of silence, wallet-sized suicide prevention cards in Spanish & English, listing the warning signs of suicide and how one can help.
Bilingual therapists and Spanish translation will be available from 6-8 p.m.
For more, call 805-689-9640, email hopenetofcarp@gmail.com, or visit www.hopenetofcarp.org.