A personal loss is helping spark a community effort to bring hope, awareness and healing to others.
A “Courage in Motion – Every Step Counts” fun walk is planned for Saturday, May 30, at Perryville City Park to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month and raise support for New Life Mission Inn, a local organization providing free mental health and addiction recovery services to Perry County residents.
The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Pavilion and surrounding walking path.
The idea for the event came from Janel, a worker with New Life Mission Inn, who is honoring the memory of her brother, Ricky, who died by suicide at age 27. Organizers say the walk is meant not only to raise funds, but also to open conversations about mental health and provide resources for those who may be struggling.
Chris Mattingly, a volunteer with New Life Mission Inn, said the event also reflects the organization’s growing presence in the community.
“I started volunteering after reading about New Life Mission Inn in the newspaper,” Mattingly said. “They provide free mental health and addiction recovery support for Perry County residents, and this is a great way to bring awareness to what they offer and help people who may not know where to turn.”
The event will feature a variety of informational booths from mental health and recovery organizations across the region. Participating groups include Gibson Center for Behavioral Change, Southeast Missouri Suicide Prevention Inc., Community Counseling Center, Assisted Recovery Centers of America, The Jeremiah Center and The Cottage Domestic Violence Shelter.
Organizers say the goal is to connect individuals and families with resources while also reducing the stigma often associated with mental health challenges.
Activities will begin at 10 a.m. with resource booths opening to the public. Welcome remarks are scheduled for 11 a.m. and will include discussions on mental health myths, recognizing signs and symptoms, services offered through New Life Mission Inn and information about EMDR therapy.
A symbolic “worry balloon release” is planned for 11:25 a.m., allowing participants to write down their worries and release them. Balloons will be available for $1 each.
The walk will begin at 11:30 a.m., with participants invited to take part at their own pace along the park’s walking path.
Organizers hope the event will serve as both a tribute and a turning point — encouraging people to seek help, support one another and remember that no one has to face struggles alone.
More information about the event or New Life Mission Inn services will be available during the walk.
