
The Rotary Club of East Jordan successfully presented its “Create Hope in the World” mental health awareness event on Monday, March 23, at the East Jordan Middle/High School auditorium. The event brought together community members for an evening of meaningful conversation, education, and connection focused on mental health, especially among youth.
The community-centered discussion highlighted the mental health challenges facing local residents and emphasized the importance of reducing stigma, increasing understanding, and improving access to resources for individuals and families. A key feature of the evening was a panel discussion featuring respected local leaders from a variety of health and human service organizations. Panelists included Cynthia Pepin, LMSW, CAADC of East Jordan Family Health Center; Jason DeBeck of Nathan’s House; Rebecca Verville, LMSW of Rebecca Verville Counseling, LLC; Jared Carrigan of East Jordan Lighthouse Church; and Amber Southerton, LMSW of East Jordan Elementary. Together, they shared professional insights, discussed warning signs and prevention strategies, and engaged with attendees during an open and supportive question-and-answer session. The event was hosted by Lisa Clavier of Kiersten’s Ride, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Her leadership helped guide the evening’s thoughtful and compassionate dialogue. Past Club President, Nikki Skrocki, reflected on the event’s impact, noting that “Create Hope in the World reflects Rotary’s commitment to building healthier, stronger communities. By bringing together local experts and residents, we were able to foster open dialogue, provide practical information, and empower families to support one another—especially young people who may be struggling in silence.” The event was free and open to the public, drawing a strong turnout of community members of all ages and reinforcing the importance of ongoing conversations around mental health. For more information about the Rotary Club of East Jordan and future initiatives, please visit www.EJRotary.com or connect with a local Rotary member to learn how to get involved.