A Day of Celebration and Connection
On Sunday, April 6, the Arch Street Teen Center was filled with energy and emotion for the 3rd annual Hope Day mental health event, a celebration that brought together community members of all ages to champion mental wellness and to break the stigma surrounding mental health. This free, family-friendly event featured live performances, hands-on wellness activities, and resource tables focused on creating a more supportive and understanding community.
The Hope Day mental health event lived up to its name by offering moments of inspiration, joy, and meaningful connection. Every act brought heart and hope to the stage, from stirring musical performances by Greenwich A Cappella and the Riverside Chorus to vibrant energy from the Greenwich High School Cheer Team. Special thanks also go to Maddie Van Der Weijden, whose performance was especially meaningful.
Throughout the day, families and individuals explored interactive wellness activities, creative arts and crafts stations, and a wide variety of mental health resources provided by local organizations. The positive coping strategies shared at each station were reminders that healing happens not just through professional support, but also through connection, expression, and community.
Hope Gardens: A Symbol of Growth
At the heart of the Hope Day mental health event is a powerful symbol: the Hope Gardens. Planted in the fall in collaboration with The Yellow Tulip Project, these gardens are now blooming across town, serving as a living reminder of resilience, recovery, and renewal. Every tulip represents a commitment to openness, strength, and hope in facing life’s challenges.
Thank You to Our Incredible Partners
Events like the Hope Day mental health event don’t happen without the dedication and generosity of our volunteers, performers, and community partners. We’re so grateful to the following organizations for making this day such a success:
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Liberation Programs
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Greenwich Alliance for Education
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Family Centers
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GHS Outreach Club / Yellow Tulip Project
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Greenwich Dept. of Human Services
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JFS Greenwich
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Kids In Crisis
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Greenwich Together Youth Coalition
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Catalyst CT: The HUB
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Spire
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Greenwich Hospital IOP Program
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Morgan’s Message
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YMCA
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NAMI Southwest CT
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Shalome Society
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Barbara’s House
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Eastern Middle School
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Problem Gambling Van
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GEMS
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Stretch Lab
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Healing Touch Team
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Jasper the Therapy Dog
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Therapy Dogs of Rockland
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Greenwich Island Fin Poke
And of course, thank you to our performers: Riverside Chorus, Greenwich A Cappella, Maddie Van Der Weijden, and the GHS Cheer Team.
Looking Ahead with Hope
We are so proud of what this Hope Day mental health event accomplished. The stories shared, the connections made, and the strength of our community are reminders that when we come together, we can break the stigma and support one another in powerful ways.
Keep an eye out for tulips blooming this spring, our community’s living promise to never give up hope.
