Roswell Day of Hope is Back

Residents are invited to the annual Roswell Day of Hope, which this year will combine a focus on helping troubled youth with the feel of a festival with music, art, and more. The event will feature something for everyone on the first official day of fall. Children can enjoy a variety of games, and attendees can purchase food-truck treats and maybe even win gift cards. As always, those in need will be able to access free medical exams and haircuts among other offerings

The fourteenth annual Roswell Day of Hope will be held rain or shine Saturday, Sept. 23, at Roswell City Hall. This year’s event will put the focus on combatting the alarming increase of thoughts of suicide and hopelessness in young people. Attendees will be able to learn more about the leading causes of depression, anxiety, and suicide, how to recognize when someone is suffering in silence, and what steps to take if someone they love needs help.

When such information was offered to attendees at last year’s event, “we found that so many people were unaware of these problems ‘in our town,’” said volunteer Lisa Loughridge. “We were able to share signs to watch for as a parent and teen as well as offer tip lines to contact for help.”

In addition, free services and gifts will include groceries and shoes while supplies last, medical exams, and dental checkups for children twelve years old and younger. Attendees can also sip fresh brews from local coffee houses while they listen to live music and browse art by local artists and area students. Art purchases will benefit the community outreach of Hope Roswell, a group that works throughout the year to meet a variety of local needs through the Day of Hope and other projects. The group is made up of pastors and church leaders who represent a variety of cultural backgrounds and denominations.

“It has always been our joy to share God’s love through services and essential items for families who might be struggling with finances,” said event coordinator Brenda Orlans. “But in recent years we’ve also felt the call to focus on how many of the young people in our community are finding themselves caught up in dark places. So many of our youth are hurting, and we want to help.”

Representatives from a variety of organizations will be on hand to give guests information on helping troubled youth. Attendees can learn, for example, how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and identify social-media issues that might be causing loved ones to feel bad about themselves due to bullying and harassment.

The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 23, at Roswell City Hall, 38 Hill Street, with no admission charge. For more information, go to www.hoperoswell.org.