This month, we’re reflecting on the incredible momentum, generosity, and community spirit that continue to move Garrett’s Space forward. We've launched a search for an Executive Director, expanded our Community Program, held several creative fundraisers with the support of incredible volunteers, and raised awareness about our work at local events. Every milestone is a reminder that we’re building a community of care together—and we’re so grateful to have you alongside us!
We're Hiring: Now Accepting Applications for Our Next Executive Director!
Do you know a mission-driven, entrepreneurial leader who is passionate about mental health and creating meaningful change? Or could that person be you? Garrett’s Space is seeking a strategic, compassionate Executive Director to lead our next chapter.
Key responsibilities for this new position include:
Leading the next phase of our strategic plan and advancing our long-term vision
Building strategic partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and healthcare providers
Developing a sustainable business model and operations plan for our campus
Leading fundraising and our capital campaign
Ensuring compliance with safety and crisis response protocols
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraiser and leader to shape innovative programming, build community partnerships, and help us launch our residential center in Ann Arbor.
Our Community Program is Expanding: Now Offering a Tuesday Night Peer Support Group
Do you know a young person who could use some extra support right now? We're currently enrolling new participants in our Tuesday night virtual peer support group which begins on November 3rd.
Our weekly peer support groups are the signature offering of our Community Program. Led by trained facilitators, each group offers a safe and welcoming space for young people 18-28 experiencing depression, anxiety, and/or suicidal ideation.
All of our peer support groups are free and open to young people within a 50-mile radius of Ann Arbor. Want to learn more? Reach out to us at communityprogram@garrettsspace.org or give us a call at 734-212-6890.
Campus Construction Update: Skylights are in!
We still have a few more months until construction is wrapped, but each time we tour the campus, there are more and more features coming to life. The roof of the campus center building is fully installed, with huge skylights inviting the fall sunshine into the space. The porch is nearly complete, offering an expansive view to watch sandhill cranes and hawks fly across our wooded property.
Our construction crew is hard at work, preparing the site for plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and the sidewalks that will lead up to the front door this coming spring. Next up before winter is new siding and installation. We'll update you next when the lights come on!
Are you interested in supporting our vision for a new approach to suicide prevention and a first-of-its-kind campus in southeast Michigan? We'd love to give you a tour of our 76-acre property and share more about our work.
Celebrating September's Gravel Bike Ride
Sunday, September 27 was a gorgeous fall day and our first gravel bike ride fundraiser. We had crisp fall weather, delicious food, and a community of 27 cyclists excited to support Garrett's Space.
We're so grateful to volunteer Wendy Kern, who combined her passions for cycling and access to mental health care to create this event that raised over $17,000! The gravel bike ride included both 10- and 37-mile routes that began and ended at the Garrett's Space campus, creating a meaningful loop of connection with new and returning members of our community.
Building a Community of Care
Our staff and volunteer team has been out in the community spreading the word about our virtual peer support groups, the vision of our future campus, and sharing mental health resources (and treats, too!). We were excited to spend several recent afternoons alongside community partners and local groups dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of everyone who lives in southeast Michigan. Here we are at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness Washtenaw County Walk, Eastern Michigan University's Wellness Fair, and Washtenaw Community College's Wellness Fair.
We're eager to bring conversations about suicide prevention and mental health care to events, classrooms, and local gatherings. Send us a note if you know of a group that would be interested in hosting us for a conversation about our mission to reduce suicides and fill critical gaps in supportive care options for young adults. We're committed to building a community of care in southeast Michigan.
Mental Health Isn’t Funny: An Educational Sketch Comedy Show
Thank you to local social workers and comedy duo Kara Williams and Ashley Hughes for their support of Garrett's Space. They held three performances of their innovative comedy show "Mental Health Isn't Funny" at hear.say brewing in Ann Arbor, raising $2,846 for us!
Kara and Ashley are hopeful that this show can become a tool for the community to start important conversations about mental health, while sharing a few laughs (and maybe a dance routine or two). If you want to explore bringing their show to a theater or community space you're involved in, they'd love to hear from you. Check out their instagram page for updates or send them an email at mentalhealthisntfunny@gmail.com.
Thank you to the Flinn Foundation
We are honored to share that Garrett’s Space received a generous $50,000 grant from the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation to help us expand our mental wellness programs. This funding will help us with essential staffing, program materials, and supplies—allowing us to reach more young people and continue creating spaces that support mental wellness, connection, and healing.
The Ethel & James Flinn Foundation has been committed to improving the scope, quality, and delivery of mental health services across Michigan since 1976. Their longstanding investment in mental health, and more than $57.4 million in grants, has made a meaningful difference throughout Southeast Michigan and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the Flinn Foundation for believing in Garrett’s Space.
Join the Cardinal Circle
We're grateful to everyone who believes in and supports our work. It takes an entire community to build a strong web of care. Monthly donations help us sustain our work and continue developing our suicide prevention model. Please consider joining our Cardinal Circle or making a one-time gift to support our mission to reduce suicides and fill critical gaps in supportive care options for young adults in southeast Michigan.
