BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County had the third-highest suicide rate per capita in Georgia in 2018, according to the CDC.

Sole Commissioner Lamar Paris proclaimed September 2020 as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month in Union County with Change in Our World Director Rebecca Brendle.

Beginning in 2015, Change in Our World had brought awareness and ministered to countless young people in the community about the value of life.

Exert from the proclamation: “Young people are key to Union County, Georgia’s future success, prosperity, and quality of life, our young people are our most valuable resource; they deserve opportunities to discover themselves and their purpose in secure environments that allow them to create relationships, find wholeness, and strengthen others.”

Change in Our World tirelessly works to provide opportunity and gathering places for the youth of Union County. The organization has a regular meeting space, hosts local events, and recently purchased the Blairsville Ice Cream and Mini-Golf stand. Change in Our World participants and the community are always invited to stop by the ice cream shop. In October, the organization will be participating in the Georgia Mountain Fairground Arts and Crafts Festival, and then in November, it will be attending the Mountain Country Christmas in Lights Festival.

Hopefully, its efforts will help to empower local young people, letting them find their voices and becoming contributing members of the community.

By raising awareness and placing value on the lives of the individual, suicide can be prevented. Those dedicated to creating safe and guided environments for Union County’s youths that are free of judgment, alcohol, and drugs will give teenagers and children an opportunity to reach their full potential and become the next generation of leaders.

The county’s goal is to let young people know that they’re valued. No one will be forgotten.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HfC1jlTIN8&feature=youtu.be

Feature image courtesy of Change in Our World. Recently, the non-profit received a $5,000 grant from the county.