Tia Shively, a recent Portage High School graduate, places a luminaria bag along the walkway at Haven Hollow Park in South Haven in honor of people struggling with mental health issues. The Portage Township Youth Advisory Commission created last weekend’s walk to promote awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. SOUTH HAVEN —
Lea Creech, left, and Tia Shively, both recent Portage High School graduates, and Tia’s mother, Amanda Shively, decorate luminaria bags to recognize people facing mental health issues. “I will go with things that make me happy, flowers and butterflies,” Amanda said. That includes addressing suicide, depression, drugs, self-harm, and other issues. “We think we’re invincible” at that age, Leach said. Now that she’s older, she knows better.
Last weekend’s Walk With Me drew a lot of community support. Porter-Starke Services oversaw a sharing circle so kids could express their feelings without judgment, with adults on hand in case help was needed. The Porter County Health Department hosted a booth and offered financial support, Samuelson Insurance Agency donated white paper bags and battery-operated tea lights for luminaria for participants to honor loved ones or just promote mental health in general.
Antecki said he was a troubled youth. “I’m talking 15, 20 failed drug tests in 10 years,” he said. He was saved, he said, and wants to help others now.