Hope for the Holidays candlelight vigil brings community together
Greg Nohe speaks at the Hope for the Holidays candlelight vigil about the importance of mental health and encouraging others to speak up if they are struggling. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
Harry Stagner, with the Washington County Suicide Awareness Association, lights an attendee’s candle during the Hope for the Holidays vigil. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
The Washington County Suicide Awareness Association and H.O.P.E. worked together to put on a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to suicide and help surviving family members to get through the holidays while grieving. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
Greg Nohe speaks at the Hope for the Holidays candlelight vigil about the importance of mental health and encouraging others to speak up if they are struggling. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
Harry Stagner, with the Washington County Suicide Awareness Association, lights an attendee’s candle during the Hope for the Holidays vigil. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
The Washington County Suicide Awareness Association and H.O.P.E. worked together to put on a candlelight vigil to honor those lost to suicide and help surviving family members to get through the holidays while grieving. (Photo by Clara Noelle)
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The Washington County Suicide Awareness Association and H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure) worked together to put on a candlelight vigil Sunday evening on the Washington State Community College campus lawn.
According to Board Member Karen Anderson, the vigil is to honor those lost to suicide and to help the surviving family members endure the holidays while grieving.
The candlelight vigil is held annually, and this year was the eighth year in which the Suicide Awareness Association helped community members get through the holidays while enduring the grief of a loved one.
"Just when you think you're healed, you find out you're not," said Board President Leanne Price. "Life's a rollercoaster."
Greg Nohe, former police officer and Sheriff candidate, served as guest speaker.
During his speech, Nohe spoke about the importance of accepting one's mental health and speaking up if one is suffering. Nohe also spoke out against the stigma that surrounds speaking about mental health.
Harry Stagner, with the Suicide Awareness Association, led a prayer and spoke about his own struggles with suicidal ideation and depression. Stagner said that talking about one's mental health helps them overcome their struggles.
Anderson leads a suicide support group with H.O.P.E. They meet every third Monday of every month at 5:30 at River Family Christian Church in Waterford.
Both Washington County Suicide Awareness Association and H.O.P.E. have Facebook pages.