Spring 2024 Newsletter
EXCITING NEWS FROM OUR NEW PROPERTY!
Last August, we purchased our dream property at 3900 N. Dixboro Road in Superior Township. We are now preparing to apply with the Township for final site plan approval. After we receive this approval, we can begin the transition or our wellness programming from primarily virtual to in-person and we can begin construction of our residential center campus!
When constructed, the center will provide on innovative and effective option for young adults struggling with depression and anxiety that bridges the gap between outpatient therapy and inpatient hospitalization for crisis care. Surrounded by nature and a warm community of caring professional staff, guests will stay for three to four weeks, gain connections and coping skills and engage in evidence informed healing activities including professionally facilitated support groups with peers, movement, meditation, gardening, art, journaling, music, exercise, and nutritious cooking.
Here are some conceptual drawings of our future residential center and creativity studio:
Aerial view of proposed campus
Double bedroom in the residence
Residence dining room
Creativity studio
DID YOU KNOW?
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults ages 10-24 in the State of Michigan
One in four young adults surveyed reported they had contemplated suicide and 44% of young adults reported feeling anxious or depressed
In a poll of 1,700 adults ages 18-24, 70% reported being moderately or severely depressed
The mental health crisis in our community is growing and young adults are struggling in unprecedented numbers. Garrett's Space offers a critical non-medical, supplemental support option that is needed and is highly attractive to young adults.
WELLNESS PROGRAM CORNER
Since 2021, Garrett's Space has hosted free, virtual wellness groups for young adults! Here's what our participants have to say about the groups:
"The most helpful things about GS for me were having a space to belong, suggestions from and to others, having somewhere to be (virtually) giving me purpose for the week."
"The facilitators are awesome and so caring. They genuinely take interest in getting to know who you are and what makes you, you.''
"It's not like other groups I've been in. People genuinely listen because they want to be supportive, they aren't just waiting for their turn. Everyone is authentic."
– Garrett's Space participants, shared with permission
To learn more about Garrett's Space wellness groups or to join or refer someone, visit garrettsspace.org/refer-or-join.
MEET OUR NEW TEAM MEMBER, SARAH GRIEB
We are delighted to welcome Sarah Grieb. who started a part-time position as Manager of Development Operations on April 1st. In this conversation, she shared reasons she was drawn to our nonprofit and how she'll be enhancing our organization.
What are your areas of responsibility?
I'll be ensuring smooth implementation of the organization's development operations to raise funds from donors. That includes everything from an operations perspective, including database management, documenting processes, helping with fundraising – whatever I can do to help steer the ship in the right direction.
What was your previous job?
I was a user experience writer and copywriter.
How did that job prepare you for this role?
I was on early team member and hove a lot of experience setting up processes for myself and the larger organizations. My background provided me with the capability to streamline processes and integrate user-centric strategies into basically everything I do. My roles also were very interdisciplinary, so I'm prepared for the cross functional nature of development operations.
Why were you attracted to Garrett's Space?
I know many people who struggled with their mental health, and I had myself in the past. I had a friend who died by suicide. I know how hard it is to find support and there really isn't anything like Garrett's Space. Depression and anxiety are so prevalent in our society and yet there's few resources to help people get better and there's still so much stigma around it. I want to help support an organization that's doing this kind of important work.
What are you most looking forward to in your role of Garrett's Space?
I'm just excited that I can contribute to so many different aspects of the organization. We're such a nimble team right now that I think that I can really make an impact in helping with development operations. I am also excited about the Go4GarrettSpace fundraiser. I think it'll be really cool to see an in-person event and so many of the people involved.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I like to cook. Pasta is my favorite dish. I make a good red sauce with red peppers. I am also looking forward to getting into the garden this summer, growing some herbs and veggies and spending time outside with the dog.
Go4GarrettsSpace – SAVE THE DATE NOW!
Garrett's Space will host its annual fundraiser on Saturday, August 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Washtenaw Community College’s Morris Lawrence Building. This event is a wonderful opportunity to hear about our progress and impact, celebrate with community members, and support our critical work saving lives!
Please join us for food and drink. a fun silent auction, and a brief program with musical performances, inspirational reflections from Wellness Program participants and a sneak peek at the construction plans for our residential center. We will also present the second Spirit of Garrett award. You can start the evening with a meditation session and finish with a relaxing sound bath. More details to come.
Highlight your business with a donation of goods or services to our silent auction. Email Rachel Sulkowski (rsulkows@umich.edu) to make a donation or learn more.
Save the date on your calendar now and please spread the word. Let's make this the best one yet! We are excited to see you there!