Greenwich area middle and high school students, and their parents are invited to attend a free community event hosted by Greenwich Together and Generation S.O.S. Join the group at the Arch Street Teen Center Sunday, May 15 from 1 to 2:30 PM for a pizza luncheon and relax and celebrate the end of AP’s with friends. Teen representatives from Generation S.O.S. will share stories with the group about their mental health struggles, social pressures, and substance use without stigma or shame. Topics will include coping skills, tips to help a friend in trouble, or how to seek help when struggling with mental health issues, anxiety, or peer pressure.
Enzo Vera, a student at Brunswick High School helped plan the May 15th gathering after realizing the benefits of this group discussion. “I am extremely proud to be a part of bringing Generation S.O.S. to Greenwich with the hopes of making a difference in even one person’s life. It has been so impactful to me and I would just like to share my experience with others. It’s a great time and you’ll learn things about yourself that you never knew before.”
Generation S.O.S. was born several years ago in New York City. Six high school students died of accidental overdoses within a few weeks. The schools’ lack of response was shocking, a sad example of the shame and stigma surrounding addiction and overdose. A group of high school students took matters into their own hands and met to talk honestly about the drug epidemic that was devastating their peers.
Jim Hood, Generation SOS Co-founder explains; “Opioids are stealing a generation of our youth. Every family is at risk, but few understand those risks. Generation S.O.S. is a safe community where teens can share their fears, learn coping skills, and hear inspiring stories from peers who have lived through extraordinary challenges but are now thriving and want to help others.”
This event is made possible by Greenwich Together, a community coalition that mobilizes youth, parents, and community partners to prevent substance misuse, promote behavioral and mental health and strengthen healthy choices through positive youth, family, and community development.
Please visit Greenwichtogether.org/ourevents to register for the event, or contact Ellen Brezovsky LCSW at ebrezovsky@greenwichtogether.org for more information. Walk-ins are welcome.
