ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- A Michiana-based nonprofit focused on veteran suicide prevention brought the community together Sunday for a Halloween-themed event designed to offer both fun and support.
Stop 22 Michiana, founded in 2019, hosted its fifth annual trick-or-treat gathering — a free, family-friendly celebration aimed at bridging the gap between local veterans and local organizations that support veterans.
The event featured tables from several local organizations,and volunteers handed out candy to children while offering adults information and resources related to veteran mental health and services.
“We reach out to all the different organizations trying to bring them together under one roof,” Bill Lampos, Vice President of Stop 22 Michiana said. “We're all about the same cause. When we all signed up to serve, we're still serving now — just like we did in uniform. So it's a good feeling.”
“In 2010, we had 10 veteran suicides in this area,” said Kent Laudeman, the organization’s secretary. “So that's important — whatever we can do in an education kind of way, an awareness kind of way. If we can get to spouses and adult family members, they may see the warning signs before the veteran will acknowledge and accept it.”
Organizers say events like the trick-or-treat celebration help create a low-pressure environment where veterans and their families can connect with others and learn about support services.
While the Halloween event is one of the organization’s biggest community gatherings, Stop 22 Michiana focuses on providing training on mental health intervention strategies. Among their focus area is “Question, Persuade, Refer” training — a method used to help loved ones support veterans in crisis.