Beacon for Hope Suicide Prevention welcomed kids to the Lyon County Fairgrounds Anderson Building for its annual Mad! Sad! Glad! event Saturday.
The event was geared towards mental wellness for children through middle-school ages. Director Melissa Owen says the event was all about validating the wide range of human emotions and working through positive resolutions. She says children now aren’t nearly as reluctant to express themselves as they used to be, regardless of what they are feeling in the moment.
Owen tells KVOE News a lot of children are dealing with anxiety.
Owen also says parents, guardians and educators need to watch for kids isolating themselves
On the other end of the spectrum? Getting more aggressive.
Activities included books, games, face painting, a miniature pony and door prizes.
Beacon for Hope now has a glass-blown pumpkin family drawing on Halloween through a partnership with Trox Gallery & Gifts. it will be involved in Emporia’s All Veterans Tribute at Freedom Fest and the annual parade before partnering again with Arnie’s Tavern for Darts of Honor on Nov. 15. As Beacon for Hope also expands its services and access to services in southeast Kansas, it has announced a Hope Links Us Together Suicide Prevention Walk in Coldwater on Nov. 1.
