SpeakUp ReachOut: 15 Years of Building Hope
This article first appeared in the 2023 It Takes A Valley Impact Report >
Speakup Reachout Expands Support With Spanish Programs
Open conversations and community support are powerful tools for suicide prevention and healing. SpeakUp ReachOut, an Eagle County nonprofit, is celebrating 15 years of offering support to those affected by suicide and reducing instances of suicide through training, awareness, and peer groups.
Several programs, including Storytelling Retreats and Community Gatherings, break down stigmas and encourage conversation. School programs address suicide prevention, and a Postvention Plan brings together organizations, including Your Hope Center and Vail Health, to provide outreach to communities and families of the affected.
SpeakUp ReachOut also offers training sessions conducted in Spanish; however, they recognize that more is needed to reach a large portion of Eagle County’s population. “I’m seeing high demand for second language speakers,” says Rosario Clarke, a bilingual peer support leader for the organization. “They work and live here and deserve the opportunity to have support.”
Reaching the Hispanic Community
The group conducted surveys to ensure their support was wanted. “As we listened, we heard that it is something that people are interested in,” says SpeakUp ReachOut’s Executive Director, Erin Ivie. “We’re doing two Spanish-only events this year, and we’ve launched our first Spanish-language peer support group.”
Led by Rosario, the monthly meeting is focused on building trust. “In my culture, we are a little insecure about seeking help,” she explains. Rosario goes on to describe some of the common concerns people have, including questions about attendance requirements and how to balance the program with work and family commitments that may conflict with their schedule.
The group covers relaxation and mindfulness. “We teach them how to take care of themselves first. Then they can better help their family members,” says Rosario, who is working on her peer support specialist certification. “I love the connection with the community; it’s something I’m very passionate about.”
Their website also offers articles in Spanish. The goal is to achieve full resource and program parity for the Hispanic community within four years.
Speakup Reachout by the Numbers
Since its inception, SpeakUp ReachOut has impacted over 15,000 individuals through events, trainings, and outreach.
3,000 students in grades 5 through 12 in local schools receive training each year to identify the warning signs of suicide and get a trusted adult involved.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done with learning from the Hispanic community to understand how we can best serve them.” -Erin Ivie
