Grapevine Center offers hope, chance for remembrance in annual Celebration of Life Rally
BUTLER TWP — An unwavering message of hope reverberated throughout the Carousel Shelter at Alameda Park on a crisp Wednesday morning, Oct. 9.
Dozens of people gathered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Grapevine Center’s annual Remembrance & Celebration of Life Rally to honor lives lost over the last year and to lift up individuals struggling with mental illnesses.
“It helps people here to commemorate their lives. It’s a closure thing,” said Dee Fields, who performs public relations and media works with the organization. “We’re trying to bring awareness for mental illness because people are just not really aware of it. More importantly, we need to realize this is becoming an epidemic and we need to do something about it.”
The rally was a key part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is being recognized in Butler County from Oct. 6 to 12. County Commissioner Kevin Boozel made the week official by presenting a signed proclamation to Grapevine Center executive director Bette Peoples.
Peoples has helped lead the effort against mental health problems, some of the biggest issues facing individuals in the county, including homelessness, food insecurity, and drug and alcohol abuse.
“Bette Peoples has been a staple in this community,” said Boozel. “I can’t praise her enough. She’s been here long before I have been. Her legacy will live on long after she’s gone.”
Several individuals took to the podium to pay tribute to five people who lost their battles with mental illness over the last year.
In addition to a hot lunch, the crowd was treated to songs, prayers and an inspirational speech from keynote speaker, Dr. Meghan Eberle, vice president of clinical services at Carelon Health of Pennsylvania.
Eberle spends her days helping those dealing with different forms of trauma across western Pennsylvania and developing new methods for treating various mental illnesses. She said bringing people together for events gives them a sense of belonging while they recover from their ailments.
“I think people start to feel like they’re not alone when they’re at events like this, and they’re able to see people who have successfully gone through their journey of recovery, but also people who still may be struggling,” she said. “That to me is the most important and hopeful message that comes from an event like this.”
After having prior experience working with afflicted individuals, Boozel said it’s critical to have tough conversations focused on eliminating the stigma around the mental health crisis.
“I think when you’re confronting any challenge, the first thing you have to do is admit it, get it out in public and talk about it,” he said. “We have a very accepting community in Butler County. I’m proud of the resources that we have, including the Grapevine Center. Overall, Butler County is blessed to have a wealth of resources to help people.”
