By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Stella the Stigma Busting Cow has messages to share with families at the 2023 Resiliency Jubilee on June 4. The black and white spotted cow will encourage families to get “moo-ving” together, take time to rest and refuel, and have open conversations where everyone is “herd.”
The jubilee offers a way to learn about a serious topic—youth suicide prevention—in a fun and interactive environment. This is the first year the Wood County Suicide Prevention Coalition, in conjunction with the Wood County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, will host the free, family-friendly event June 4 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Junior Fair Building on the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road, Bowling Green.
According to Kaylee Smith, coordinator of strategic initiatives at WCADAMHS, building resilient communities is the theme and focus of the activities for children and their families. There will be a variety of activities such as a bouncy house, dunk tank, pie toss and face painting.
There will be a DJ playing music and a squad car with lights and sirens on site from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department. Kids can meet and greet Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, and a unicorn and other animals will be featured at a petting zoo during the event.
Everyone is invited to enjoy, free of charge, a hot dog and ice cream treat from an ice cream truck as part of the festivities.
Eight local mental health providers will have tables and games set up throughout the space. Children who visit the tables and get their card punched by all eight of the agency partners will get their own miniature Stella the Stigma Busting Cow. Children also can earn tickets that can be turned in for prizes and family-themed gift baskets.
The first hour, from 1 to 2 p.m., is a dedicated, sensory-friendly hour where families of children with autism spectrum disorder or sensory processing disorders can enjoy a quieter and calmer environment. All of the same activities will be available, but with less noise, lights and people to make everyone as comfortable as possible, said Aimee Coe, director of community programs.
The event opens to everyone from 2 to 5 p.m.
“We want families to come together, have fun and build healthy relationships,” Coe said. “We also want them to know what resources are available in the county.”
“We wanted to continue the jubilee in a fun and interactive environment because at the heart of prevention is reaching people where they are and where it makes the most sense,” Smith said.
