OUR MISSION STATEMENT
NEED
Research shows that promoting connectedness—between people and within communities— creates a sense of belonging, which can be protective against suicide1 and addiction.2
WHO WE ARE
We are parents, siblings, neighbors, friends and experts who are driven to support our loved ones who are silently struggling. We will not be quiet when it comes to these pervasive problems because it is uncomfortable — the cost of silence is too high. We believe that connection is the cure and we know that encouraging those connections takes work.
WHAT WE ARE DOING
In addition to hosting smaller events throughout the year, we are hosting a mental health, addiction recovery and suicide prevention concert event featuring Ben Fuller. We know that music has the power to bring people together and open their hearts in a way that lessons and lectures cannot. Through music, guest speakers and community partners, we intend to bring hope and support to all in attendance. We understand these topics are complex and multi-dimensional, but with our focus on connection we are confident we can make a measurable impact. We encourage three facets of connection—connection to self, connection to others, and connection to a higher power.
EVENT OUTCOMES
Connection is the Cure events will connect people to people and people to resources. The tangible outcomes we hope to see from our events are as follows:
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Normalize and encourage ongoing conversations about mental health, addiction recovery and suicide prevention within homes, schools, churches, and throughout the community.
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Equip people (particularly teens) with suicide prevention strategies and addiction recovery tools on both the individual-level and support-level.
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Introduce and connect people with the mental health, addiction recovery and suicide prevention resources that are available throughout our community.
SOURCES:
1 Stone, D.M., Holland, K.M., Bartholow, B., Crosby, A.E., Davis, S., and Wilkins, N. (2017). Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policies, Programs, and Practices. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/suicidetechnicalpackage.pdf
2 Weiss, R. (2015). The Opposite of Addiction is Connection. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-and-sex-in-the-digital-age/201509/the-opposite-addiction-is-connection
In Memory of Robert Sage Dilgard (1986-2021). He fought a rigorous battle with mental illness and addiction, which causes so much heartache and pain for the individual and for those who love them. Robert was fond of the saying: “Today let us have compassion and allow other their limitations without judgment.” With this as our guiding principle, we will honor his legacy by encouraging anyone who is suffering, mentally or emotionally, to get help.