“Safe space” for holidays | News, sports, work

IRON MOUNTAIN — The holidays can be difficult for people suffering from mental health issues.

Some are estranged from family or too far away to return home. For others, being around family can be an ordeal, dealing with people who may not understand or be openly judgmental, which may even make the situation worse, said Talitha Dahlquist, executive director of the Forever Friendship Drop-In website.

If alcohol or substance abuse is also a factor, temptations are likely to arise at such gatherings.

But staying home comes with its own set of risks, Dahlquist said. She explained that loneliness and isolation can also exacerbate mental health problems.

So Forever Friendship partners with Hope Church of Iron Mountain “Hope for Christmas”, provide a range of events “safe, non-stigmatizing environment” for Thanksgiving and other holidays in the new year.

Thanksgiving at Hope Church, 200 E. B St. The Iron Mountain Center will host a celebratory meal, arts and crafts, and games on November 28 from noon to 6 p.m. on November 28, with representatives of faith and a certified peer support specialist on hand.

Events are also planned for Christmas at the church and for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa at the Forever Friendship Drop-In location, 501 S. Carpenter Ave. Suite D in Kingsford. The location of the New Year’s Eve party has not been determined yet, but it is being planned “a sober holiday event…where we still want to have fun, we still want to celebrate” Dahlquist said.

All are free and do not require reservations.

Forever Friendship Drop-In has been operating in the Iron Mountain-Kingsford area since 2015 as “safe space” and a resource center for people 18 and older dealing with a mental health diagnosis, substance abuse or suicidal ideation, Dahlquist said. Their services are free and visitors do not have to specify their condition.

She added that all employees have also been diagnosed with a mental illness. In fact, Dahlquist first experienced Forever Friendship by becoming a member just a few months before she was asked to become executive director in January 2022.

“So I can say, ‘I get it, I was there.'” Dahlquist said.

It currently has about 70 members, and about 50 visit at least once a month. The goal, she said, is to validate what members are going through and help them build healthy coping skills. They also run workshops, support groups and activities for social and social inclusion.

Hope Church has roots in the area dating back to 2020 and was previously located at Broullire Corner on the northern side of Iron Mountain. “They moved downtown in January,” said the Rev. Anthony Miller, lead pastor of Hope Church.

They met at a ribbon-cutting ceremony when Hope Church joined the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, and then bonded even further at a chamber-sponsored breakfast.

“We realized that our interests are aligned and provide value to our community.” – Miller said. In a written statement he added that: “I admire the work he is doing, and it feels natural to join together in this effort.”

“And we could make lasting change.” Dahlquist said.

While Forever Friendship Drop-In has hosted holiday activities in the past, Hope Church has more space, enough to accommodate up to 50 people at a time.

People present are asked to bring a snack if possible. Everything must be thoroughly cooked beforehand, as the church does not have a kitchen with an oven or stovetop. You can connect pots or other countertop stoves to the electricity supply.

Additionally, and this is extremely important, the church and Forever Friendship are nut-free environments, as several people had allergies.

Even sharing utensils, such as cutting pecan pie and pumpkin pie with the same knife, can transfer enough residue to cause a reaction. So be careful with the ingredients. For example, in some gluten-free recipes, flour is replaced with finely ground nuts.

Dahlquist said Forever Friendship will provide transportation from Iron County for Thanksgiving if requested.

After Thanksgiving, Hope Church will host, among others: “Second Chance on Saturday” where people can bring leftover food and re-establish support for those who may be struggling after the holidays. Dahlquist noted that suicide rates tend to be higher around Thanksgiving.

“This way, people will always have a support system to lean on during the holidays,” he added. Dahlquist said.

Both nonprofit organizations welcome monetary donations to cover the costs of these events, they said.

Donations can be made by going to Hopeimt.org/donate and selecting an option “Hope for Christmas” in the drop-down menu. Checks can also be sent to Hope Church, PO Box 647, Iron Mountain, MI 49801, specifying “Hope for Christmas” on the note line.

For more information or other opportunities to participate, contact Dahlquist at 906-200-1473 or Miller at 906-285-4712.