January 2025 Newsletter
WELLNESS PROGRAM CORNER
Thank you for bringing hope and healing to our community in 2024!
As we begin 2025, our hearts are full of gratitude for the incredible journey we had in 2024. Thanks to your support, we've continued to expand our mission of bringing hope and healing to young adults facing mental health challenges in our community.
We're proud to share some key highlights from 2024 that showcase the impact of our work together!
We asked our participants, “What advice would you share with someone who may feel hesitant to join a Garrett's Space group?”
Here’s what one participant shared with permission:
“It's not like other support groups. You can really talk about anything, and everyone will listen and support without judgment. If you're like me, you may have come across some support groups or other resources that were SUPPOSED to be inclusive and judgment-free but ended up often being disappointing and could sometimes make you feel worse! But [Garrett’s Space] is different. It lives up to the expectation of what support groups SHOULD be. You can bring ALL of yourself to the group instead of only the parts you're used to letting people see.”
To get help for you or someone else, please contact Peggy Galimberti (peggy@garrettsspace.org or 734-212-6890)
Meet our new team member, Marissa Alaniz!
TAs we continue to grow and expand our capacity to support young adults, we're thrilled to introduce you to Marissa Alaniz, who recently joined the Garrett's Space team as our Development Director! With our plans to break ground on our 76-acre campus in Superior Township and the expansion of our in-person programming on the horizon, Marissa's expertise and passion for mental health advocacy couldn't come at a more pivotal time.
Why were you attracted to Garrett's Space?
I was born and raised in Ann Arbor and have been following Garrett’s Space since its inception. I believe in the next generation and all the good they will accomplish for our world and I love that Garret’s Space is driven by passionate people of all generations who also care deeply about helping young people thrive.
What are your areas of responsibility?
I will be working to grow all areas of fundraising and communications at Garrett’s Space, building upon its vision of hope that is already saving and changing lives in our community.
What were your previous jobs?
I’ve held several fundraising-focused roles in community-based nonprofits, including Food Gatherers, United Way of Greater Toledo, and even an organization based in Nicaragua called AMOS Health and Hope, which promotes community-based health care in rural areas.
How did your other positions prepare you for this role?
I have always worked in roles where I’ve had my hands in many different aspects of fundraising. I’m excited to take that knowledge to help build out a strong development program, rooted in authentic connections with caring community members –like so many of the people already connected to Garrett’s Space.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at Garrett's Space?
I am looking forward to meeting more people in our community and casting our big vision of providing a life-changing resource to give more young adults the opportunity to be who they are, connect with others and find hope.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
I love traveling to new national parks and playing bar trivia with friends!
We’re Hiring!
Garrett's Space is excited to announce that we are hiring an Executive Director.
This is an incredible opportunity to lead our growing organization, which is working to make a profound impact in turning the tide on suicides among young people.
Apply here and feel free to spread the word to those you think are qualified and interested.
Garrett’s Space Selected for County Millage Funding
We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected to receive funding through the Washtenaw County Community Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage. This will help us plan for and expand our in-person wellness activities and support groups, touching more young lives across our community in 2025.
As we prepare to introduce new programming at our 76-acre campus in Superior Township, we're deeply grateful to the County Millage Advisory Council and for your continued belief in our mission. Every day, we see the impact of building connections and fostering hope among young adults who struggle with mental health challenges. This funding will allow us to reach even more young people and provide more intensive programming for our participants.
Thank you, Washtenaw County, for investing in the mental health of our young people. Together, we're creating spaces of healing, hope, and connection!
Did You Know?
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 judgment-free support for mental health, substance use, and more.
It’s here for all of us, but a recent National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) 2024 poll found most Americans aren’t familiar with it. Together, we can change that!
When we share information about 988, we help ensure that anyone in our community who needs urgent support knows exactly where to turn. Please share this message with your friends, family and networks. No one should feel alone with their struggles.
How to access: Text, call, or chat 988. Access for Deaf/HoH and Spanish speakers
How You Can Help
Thank you for your generous contributions to our efforts! Your support helps us offer free wellness groups and monthly in-person gatherings while we work towards realizing our vision of creating a residential space for young adults in need. We are excited to continue this journey together and are grateful for your ongoing commitment! Here’s how you can stay involved:
Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers to support events or help with tasks that keep our mission moving forward. To learn more contact info@garrettsspace.org.
Donate: Your generous contribution directly supports our programs, offering hope and healing to young adults facing mental health challenges. Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact. Donate here.
Spread the Word: Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. And share our mission with your network to help raise awareness and grow our community of support.