Empowering Youth Through Creativity:
Be YourSELF Showcase Draws 500 Attendees in Monmouth County
Tinton Falls, NJ (May 22, 2024) – On Friday, May 10, 2024, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, in collaboration with the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County and the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, hosted the Be YourSELF: Creative Arts and Expression showcase. This transformative event, held at Bell Works in Holmdel, NJ, from 5pm to 8pm, drew over 500 youth and families, celebrating the power of creative expression and its vital role in promoting mental wellness.
The Be YourSELF showcase provided a vibrant platform for young artists, musicians, and creators to exhibit their talents. Attendees enjoyed a rich array of offerings from diverse vendors, including KYDS, Art Worx, henna artist Helen Ekladious, Konkret Comics, School of Rock (Red Bank), and the whimsical Doodle Dude. The event’s atmosphere was further enhanced by the generous provision of refreshments from Jersey Mike’s Subs, ensuring that everyone could fully immerse themselves in the evening’s activities.
Central to the event’s mission was the promotion of mental health awareness and the availability of support resources. Attendees had access to crucial information and services from several key organizations: the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County, Lead U, the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, the YMCA of Greater Monmouth County, and the Monmouth County Children’s Inter-Agency Coordinating Council (CIACC). These organizations provided guidance, support, and educational materials, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in our communities.
Kevin Wilson, Crisis Clinician with the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County’s Family Crisis Intervention Unit (FCIU), said, “The Be YourSELF showcase epitomizes the power of creative expression in promoting mental wellness. It’s truly inspiring to see young individuals coming together to share their talents and support one another in a positive, nurturing environment. Events like this are crucial in breaking the stigma around mental health and fostering a supportive community.”
The event was made possible by a generous suicide prevention grant from the Monmouth County Department of Human Services.
For more information about the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County and its programs, please visit www.mentalhealthmonmouth.org.
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About Mental Health Association of Monmouth County
Established in 1950, the Mental Health Association of Monmouth County is an affiliate of the national nonprofit Mental Health America. Our professional staff has been on the forefront of creating a meaningful system of mental health care that strategically focuses on eliminating social barriers and mental health discrimination. With over 15 free programs and services, we create healthy communities for the future.