Church of God offers program on suicide prevention — Option: Life

Jennifer Henry is putting on her first community meeting and she wants to make it meaningful. Henry wants to encourage parents to be more involved in their kids’ lives and for kids to talk to their parents about their concerns.
“God put on my heart to put this on,” Henry said. “I want to encourage kids and parents to choose life over other choices.”
The Option: Life gathering will be from 1 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 10, at Church of God, 45170 Hull Road, next to the Van Buren Township Fire Hall.
This free community event will support those struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or suicidal thoughts along with their loved ones. This event will include a prayer team for prayer and worship, awareness-building resources, a bounce house, free food, and small Bibles for children.
There will be a pastor, Mikie Bartee, who will tell how he was suicidal while serving as a pastor and how he overcame depression and anxiety. Parents, representing the Crying Eyes group, will tell how they found their child after a suicide and what they are doing to help other parents so they don’t have the same experience.
Valerie Kelly-Bonner, a licensed suicide prevention coach from SOOAR on Sumpter Road, will be a part of the event. Henry said she hoped to have a licensed counselor on hand, as well.
For more information, call Henry at (734) 787-7677 or Belleville Church of God Pastor Ron Schubert (734) 697-0927.