Call2Talk, United Way of Tri-County and Framingham Public Schools

In observance of Suicide Prevention month, and in partnership with Framingham Public Schools, Framingham based Call2Talk, the statewide mental health and suicide prevention program, is celebrating 10 years of serving the community, with a free viewing of the documentary “My Ascension”. The screening is scheduled on Wednesday, September 25 from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Fuller Middle School.

The film, geared to students from middle to high-school ages as well as adults, chronicles varsity high school cheerleader Emma Benoit. At 16 Emma seemingly had it all. Beautiful, good grades, loving family, and great friends, but Emma was struggling with thoughts of suicide and did not know how to get help or even show she was suffering. Her story helps break down the stigma and stereotypes associated with mental health challenges in young people.

This program is designed for anyone who would like to learn more about suicide prevention including parents, educators, counselors, students, and others.

With help and funding from the 2022 and 2023 Team Framingham Boston Marathon Runners, Call2Talk, Mass2-1-1’s and the United Way of Tri-County’s mental health program is bringing the film to Framingham this September during Suicide Prevention Month.

“Jennifer Artick, Lisa Burgess, Cassandra Kobelski, Tara Mahnk, Brendan Manzella, Alex Mitchell, John Nicoloro, and Melissa Roach are our heroes,” said Eileen Davis, Call2Talk Director, and Vice President of Mass211, the statewide Information and Referral platform.

“We are forever indebted to each of them for the amazing work these determined marathon runners have put in on behalf of those struggling with their mental health. We are thrilled to offer “My Ascension” and welcome Emma to Framingham to share her story, bringing awareness and hope across the City and beyond,” Davis concludes.

The event will be MC’d by Framingham’s own David O’Leary. O’Leary is a morning co-host at Magic 106.7, and board member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).

Local agencies will be on hand to provide mental health resources including Call2Talk/Mass211, LOSSteam MetroWest, Parent Professional Advocacy League (PPAL), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), MetroWest Regional Coalition for Suicide Prevention, National Alliance on Mental Illness Massachusetts (NAMI MA), Camp Erin, and HEARTplay. Due to a scheduling conflict, SPARK Kindness and Natick 180 will display materials at the event.

A Q & A session with Emma and mental health experts will follow the screening.

Seating is limited to 400 guests and free registration is required. To register for the screening, please click the link below.

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/f/4wcq/n?vid=16wv3b

To learn more about Call2Talk and the United Way, please visit their website at https://www.uwotc.org/EBFilm