APPLETON - Besides bringing together veterans and non-veterans, organizers of a daylong program Tuesday at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center aim to save lives.
The initiative, called "Connect to Courage: Keeping Our Veterans Alive," will feature a resource fair, showings of the documentary "Project 22" and suicide awareness training.
"We really want to connect all levels of our community, to inspire them to take action and be aware of and help prevent veterans suicide," said Mike Price, president of Fox Valley Veterans Council, which helped organize the free event.
More than 50 organizations, including Fox Valley Veterans Council, Prevent Suicide Fox Cities, LEAVEN, American Legion Post 38 and Riverview Gardens, will offer outreach, resources and tools to assist veterans, their families and the community. Singer-songwriter Rob Anthony will perform a live show in the afternoon during the resource fair.
The resource fair will take place from 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Showings of "Project 22," which chronicles a 6,500-mile cross-country trek by two veterans to raise awareness about veteran suicide, are set for 2:30 and 7 p.m.
Organizers are anticipating a heavy turnout.
Price said he hopes the program will foster more meaningful connections between veterans and non-veterans, such as giving non-veterans the opportunity to ask questions and increase their understanding about veterans in their community.
"We're actually very blessed to have the kind of infrastructure that we have here to support veterans," he said.
From 5 to 6:30 p.m. suicide awareness training — or "QPR," which stands for "question, persuade, refer" — will teach attendees about becoming advocates for people struggling with mental illness, including those at risk for suicide.
"Often, these people are depressed, and it's hard to have energy when a person is depressed to get the help they need," said Mary Sullivan, the outgoing board chair of Prevent Suicide Fox Cities. "It's easy to give up."
"I think this event will help people know what's happening with veterans, what help is available for them and how they can help veterans."
Ethan Safran: 920-996-7267, or esafran@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @EthanSafran
IF YOU GO
What: "Connect to Courage: Keeping Our Veterans Alive"
When: 1:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, 400 W. College Ave, Appleton
Cost: Free