Politixia
The Festival of Hope on Friday featured a number of people dressed as superheroes. (Tommy Culkin, Oil City News)
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or text “WYO” to 741-741 for the Crisis Text Line.
CASPER, Wyo. — Attendees at today’s Festival of Hope were able to receive resources for mental and physical health, as well as suicide prevention. But they were also able to have fun while doing it.
“It’s been a huge success,” said Jenny Hunter, executive director of R.J.’s Hunt for Life, the nonprofit that hosted the event. “This is our fifth year and the turnout has just been fantastic.”
Educational materials and other resources were provided by several local and regional organizations.
“All kinds of groups answered the call and came today to help provide hope for the community,” Hunter said with a smile.
The event offered plenty of opportunities for fun as well. Food and drinks were provided, and local musician Chad Lore entertained attendees throughout the day. Service animals — including ponies and dogs — were on hand. And several people arrived in superhero costumes as well.
J.R.’s Hunt for Life is a nonprofit organization that offers free suicide prevention and awareness training. Hunter said she also tries to help people struggling with suicidal ideation and people who know someone who has performed or attempted suicide.
“I’ll do anything I can to help someone struggling with this,” Hunter said. “Someone will call and ask if I can do this, and I’ll do it.”
The nonprofit is named for Hunter’s son, who died by suicide at the age of 36.
Ultimately, Hunter said, the goal of the festival and the nonprofit as a whole is to provide hope to the community.
“My motto is that hope is the enemy of suicide,” Hunter said.
