Community Spotlight: NADRA Member walks for suicide prevention

Community Spotlight: Member: Judy Verblaauw, C. Verblaauw & Sons, LLC –  Mahwah, NJ

On Saturday, June 16th, my daughter and I, along with a few friends participated in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Overnight walk. A special thank you to so many of our fellow NADRA members that have supported our efforts over the years. This year, we walked through the night to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.  This was our third year participating in this walk and it helps support my daughter with her personal struggles.  It is an amazing experience to hear the stories of others and to share our story.  This year, I believe that there were over 1700 walkers.  These walks are typically 16 – 20 miles long overnight through various big cities,  There is always an east coast walk and a west coast walk.  This year we walked through the streets of Philadelphia and others walked through the streets of Dallas, TX.  We have walked through New York City, Washington D.C. and I believe next year will be in Boston.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention  Mission: Save Lives and Bring Hope to Those Affected by Suicide

To fully achieve its mission, AFSP engages in the following Five Core Strategies:

• Fund scientific research
• Offer educational programs for professionals
• Educate the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
• Promote policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
• Provide programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in the work of the Foundation