Empowering Voices, Inc. is bringing the community together through two powerful events focused on mental health awareness, healing, remembrance, and connection during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Empowering Voices, Inc., will host a Mental Health Forum on Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the New College Institute, Lecture Hall, 191 Fayette Street, Martinsville. Dinner will be served and community resources will be provided.
The forum will feature diverse local leaders, advocates, and community voices sharing conversations and lived experiences surrounding mental health, resilience, support systems, and recovery. It will be moderated by Jenny Yates, LCSW, Four Rivers Counseling CEO, and hosted by Richard Harris – Regional Manager for Southside Behavioral Health Consortium.
Featured panelists include Tony Davis – Luna Moth Tattoo Studio Owner & Artist, Dominique Hylton – Minister Elder, Charika Carter – Mental Health Liaison with Danville City Schools, Sharon Ortiz – Epidemiologist, West Piedmont Health District, and Patrick Rodgers – veteran/founder of All Vets.
“This event is about creating safe conversations, breaking stigma, and reminding people that they are not alone,” said Latoya Preston, Empowering Voices CEO and community advocate. “Mental health impacts every family and every community. We want people to leave feeling empowered, informed, and supported.”
Preston also noted that kindness and care is essential when addressing community and individual mental health. “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how safe, seen, and supported you made them feel,” she added.
In addition, Empowering Voices, Inc. will partner with community organizations for a Community Memorial Walk and Tree Planting in Honor of Sherri Hazlewood on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Smith River Sports Complex – Lower Level.
The memorial event will celebrate the life and legacy of Sherri Hazlewood while encouraging healing, unity, and awareness surrounding grief, mental wellness, suicide prevention and community support.
Memorial Walk participants are asked to meet at the lower level of the Sports Complex (near the Paw Path, below the Amphitheater) where the walk will begin. Participants may wear suicide prevention colors, “something teal or purple,” and bring soil from home to plant the tree, and/or a note on biodegradable paper in honor of the day’s events.
Community members, advocates, families, and local organizations are encouraged to attend both events and participate in meaningful discussions and remembrance activities designed to strengthen mental health awareness and suicide prevention throughout the region.
For more information, call Preston at 276-634-8311.
