PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2017
FREE event to empower young girls to end bullying, prevent suicide attempts and improve mental health
Quarterly Cupcakes & Conversations: “Living My Life Like It’s Golden” will take place on June 10 from 2 to 4 PM at Cone Park Library
GAINESVILLE, FL, June 5, 2017 – One in five girls is statistically destined to have a mental illness. As a result, suicide has become the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24, according to the National Alliance on Mental Health. Dream on Purpose sets out to change this course of history for young girls within the Greater Gainesville community on June 10.
Dream on Purpose is hosting its next installment of Cupcakes & Conversations, an open forum for girls ages 11-18, at the Cone Park Library (2801 E. University Ave.) 2 – 4 p.m. “Living My Life Like It’s Golden,” the mantra for this quarter’s workshop, encourages girls to learn more on ways to handle issues related to mental health and the importance of self-love. This event will feature a series of distinguished community speakers who will discuss the importance of ending the stigma on mental illnesses.
The keynote speaker for Cupcakes & Conversations: Living My Life Like It’s Golden is Laurel Nesbit. Nesbit is currently the Outreach Coordinator at the Alachua County Crisis Center. In this role, she works with volunteers, clients, and community organizations to foster understanding and connection, providing training in crisis and suicide intervention.
Nesbit received her Master of Education and Educational Specialist degrees in Counselor Education from the University of Florida, is a certified instructor of Youth Mental Health First Aid, and is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with the state of Florida.
“Life is difficult and complex at times. Growing up in this digital age with increased accessibility and coping with the pressures associated with school, home and social life can be overwhelming at times; however, Dream on Purpose is here to remind our young girls that they are not alone and there are resources located within their own backyard – just for THEM,” says President and Cofounder Shareen Baptiste. “That is why we do what we do here at Dream on Purpose. We are hoping that Cupcakes & Conversations: Living Life Like It’s Golden will remind our girls that taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. We’ve invited local experts and community resources to show them how to do just that – take care and love their selves.”
Additional community resources include Tatila Brock, Princella Thorpe and Acacia Douglas from The Education Foundation of Alachua County – Take Stock in Children, who will serve as table discussion leaders. Representatives from Meridian Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. was also attend.
Dream on Purpose, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls to actualize her dreams. For more information, visit www.dreamonpurpose.org.
All girls between the ages of 11 and 18 are encouraged to attend Cupcakes & Conversations on June 10. There will be fun activities, prizes and giveaways. There is no cost to attend. To register, visit www.candclivinglife.eventbrite.com.
