Community Counseling Center’s Superhero Luncheon shines light on mental health awareness

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) – The Community Counseling Center’s annual Superhero Luncheon event brought together local businesses, keynote speakers, and community members to shine a light on mental health awareness.

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Alison Diamond, a mother of two adopted boys who faced mental health challenges, shared her powerful story.

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“I’ve always heard that parenting isn’t easy or for the faint of heart and we all know that it does not come with an instruction book,” Diamond said.

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She spoke candidly about her family’s struggles, including the anger and hurt that seemed insurmountable at times.

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“The anger that was being displayed almost on a daily basis, seemed to move further and further off the charts. The kind of hurt that you just really want to hug away but can’t. Our lives changed quickly, and revolved around therapy, counseling, and daily phone calls, from the daycare apologetically asking us not to come back.”

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Diamond expressed sincere gratitude for the time and care provided by the Community Counseling Center, which helped her family navigate their darkest moments.

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The center announced a new program, Hope Squad, which trains student teams to support peers struggling with suicidal thoughts. Wendy Ice, CEO of the center, emphasized the importance of empowering students to respond with compassion and resources.

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“What has become abundantly clear is that the peers are already talking to each other about it. It is already happening. So, we have a responsibility to make sure they have the tools and resources to know how to respond.”

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The event concluded with a sense of hope and renewed commitment to mental health awareness, inspiring attendees to take action and support one another.

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Originally published at https://www.kbsi23.com/news/community-counseling-centers-superhero-luncheon-shines-light-on-mental-health-awareness/