May 2026 Newsletter
We have some exciting news to report in many areas – developments that demonstrate significant progress in the many ways we are helping young adults.
Meet Our New Community Program Director, Cierra Bengel!
We are so pleased to welcome Cierra Bengel into this exciting new role! We're delighted to have her contribute to the amazing Community Program that's been established by Peggy Galimberti, Lead Community & Group Clinician, Marly Spieser-Schneider, Group Facilitator & Movement Specialist and our Group Clinicians & Facilitators: Rachel Chapman, Kayla Douglas, Danielle Friedman Eason and Nai Sagherian. She will be supporting the experiences of participants, furthering our efforts in program review and development. Her goal is to ensure that the Garrett’s Space model reflects best practices and the evidence bases in peer mental health interventions and suicide prevention. Once she is fully oriented and integrated into the running of the Community Programming – the Garrett’s Space virtual groups and regular in-person gatherings – she will also be supporting the strategic planning for Garrett’s Space’s day and residential programming. And she’ll be focused on nurturing existing partnerships that have been built by the programming staff and expanding them. The existing program staff “do this really beautiful job of building connections and relationships among the group participants and I am hoping to really be able to expand that through the whole Garrett’s Space community and the broader community,” she said. Cierra explains that Peggy will remain the main point of contact for prospective and engaged participants, while she will provide back up and support in clinical areas and as the program expands, will lead wellness support groups.
Cierra has nine years of experience as a clinical social worker, most recently for Chestnut Services, based in Sutton’s Bay, Michigan. She has been working on young adult mental health initiatives since 2014. Seeing a sense of disconnection among those she cares about, her social work practice is founded upon connection. “It feels soul nourishing to be able to connect with people . . . and try to make things work better and have people feel more seen, whether that's as individuals or in a group context,” she said. Cierra has been following Garrett’s Space since its inception and as a Superior Township resident was pleased to see it was being built in her backyard – and then excited that a position opened up in an organization whose mission she cares deeply about. “There's not nearly enough in terms of resources for young adult mental health,” she said. She appreciates that Garrett’s Space programming has an “intentionality to creating really thoughtful, person-centered, participant-centered programming and resourcing.”
Cierra said she has felt very welcomed by the programming staff and is eager to learn from them. “I’m hoping to work to develop these really authentic supportive relationships with the participants and staff.” She’s eager to help fill the unmet need for young adult mental health support, “providing something novel and different.” When she’s not working, Cierra shows her love and affection for others through cooking. “Cooking and baking are times where I'm the most mindful and present and slowing down and noticing things,” she said, adding that she has a “really incredible chocolate chip cookie recipe.” Her four-year-old, Emmett, is often by her side, and she enjoys “making messes and food with him.”
We are thrilled to have Cierra join our incredible programming team – a group that provides a perfect combination of warmth, compassion, creativity and community building. We are looking forward to seeing the programming that has already resonated with our young adults continue to grow and become a first-of-its kind model that can be replicated nationwide.
Items Needed for Garrett's Space Auction
Do you work in a local business or are you connected to one? If so, you can help us out by donating to our auction. Last year, the auction raised $31,000. The more appealing items we have, the more money we raise! We are always eager to get donations from new businesses as well as those providing services. So please consider being part of this exciting component of our annual fundraiser. If you’re interested in donating, you can contact our auction coordinator, Rachel Chapman: rsulkows@umich.edu
Save the Date!
Yoga at the Big House
We are delighted to be one of two beneficiaries of Yoga at the Big House on Saturday, August 8th. Join 1,000 people to practice yoga on the field. This is an inspiring and important way to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Details and a link to buy tickets are here. The event always sells out so don’t delay in registering!
Go4GarrettsSpace
We invite you to our seventh annual fundraiser, Go4GarrettsSpace, on Saturday, August 29th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at WCC’s Morris Lawrence Building. The evening is intended to be inspiring, educational and entertaining, reflecting the impact of our work. In addition to light food and refreshments, there will be an auction, a performance by University of Michigan Acapella group Touch of Blue and the opportunity to participate in a healing sound bath and a meditation session. Mark your calendars. You won’t want to miss this exciting event!
1st Annual Go4GarrettsSpace Gravel Bike Ride
Bike the scenic landscape and get a sneak peak at our residential center while raising money for our organization! You can choose between a 10 or 40 mile ride. The event, to be held on Sunday, September 27th, will start and end at the Garrett’s Space property, 3900 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The ride will wrap up with refreshments and tours of the property.
For more information, contact Wendy Kern:
wendy.kern@comcast.net | (734) 216-4346
Volunteer Spotlight: Kelli Radke
We are grateful to all of our volunteers. This month we are featuring Kelli!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My husband, Andrew, and I are originally from Kansas but made Ann Arbor our home in 2018. I work as a clinical pharmacist. We have two kids, Reese, age 6 and Lane, age 2. We enjoy playing at the many wonderful parks in town, taking advantage of the foodie scene and attending University of Michigan sporting events.
How did you first learn about Garrett's Space?
Shortly after moving to Ann Arbor, I met Julie at a survivors of suicide group meeting. Julie shared about wanting to channel her grief into something good, something that would help people and may have helped Garrett. A few years later I went circling back and could hardly believe what Julie and Scott had created and it had a name - Garret’s Space. I reached out right away to see how I could get involved.
What drew you to volunteer?
I lost my brother, Stephen, to suicide in 2015. He was 25 years old. Stephen battled depression for many years and I believe that a program like Garrett’s Space, a non-traditional treatment center with a community of understanding peers and clinicians, would have helped him.
When did you start volunteering? What type of volunteering do you do?
I reconnected with Julie in late 2022 and have been volunteering ever since. I find value in tabling at local events where I can inform community members of the important resource that is Garrett’s Space, and share the mission and vision for future services. Additionally, my husband and I contribute to the Cardinal Circle, a monthly giving society dedicated to sustaining the continued growth of Garrett’s Space. We also look forward to the impressive auction lineup at the Go4GarrettsSpace fundraiser event each August.
What has that volunteer experience been like for you?
Volunteering with Garrett’s Space is low pressure and highly rewarding. I show up when I can and spend a few hours with others who are passionate about sharing a new and much needed mental health care program.
What do you think is most important for people to know about Garrett's Space? Why should others consider volunteering?
I specifically want parents to know that there is a suicide prevention program in our community that focuses on the whole person. I encourage anyone interested to visit the newly acquired site for Garrett’s Space to feel the hope and healing that is possible in a different environment. Volunteering with Garrett’s Space is a meaningful way to help reduce the stigma and save lives.
Are you interested in volunteering? If so, please email: info@garrettsspace.org
Updates On Our Home
Our residential center continues to take shape and construction is well underway! Construction is due to be completed by March of next year.
Did You Know?
A new study that examined the impacts of the 988 national suicide prevention hotline showed that rates of suicide among adolescents and young adults declined, especially in states which had the highest number of answered calls. From July 2022 through December 2024, the rate of suicide among those aged 15 to 34 years old dropped 11% below what was projected. This study shows the impact of supporting young adults who are struggling. Garrett’s Space is creating a community where we are showing up with significant support for our young adults.
How You Can Help
Thank you for your generous contributions to our efforts! Your support makes our free wellness groups and gatherings possible while we build toward the vision for our residential center. Here's how you can stay involved:
Volunteer: Join our team supporting events and mission-critical tasks. Sign up for our volunteer email list.
Donate: Every contribution directly supports programs offering hope and healing to young adults. Donate at our website or join the Cardinal Circle for monthly giving.
Spread the Word: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and share our mission to grow our community of support.
IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE AT RISK, PLEASE REACH OUT AND LET THEM KNOW YOU CARE AND CHECK OUR CRISIS RESOURCES.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE, CALL OR TEXT 988 TO REACH THE SUICIDE AND CRISIS LIFELINE.