Vigil of Hope is Thursday

The 6th Annual Vigil of Hope on Thursday evening at the Fiske Field basketball court is sponsored by the Shelter Island Health & Wellness Committee, the Island’s Police Department, Shelter Island Public Library and HUGS, Inc.

Gina Kraus, a member of the Health & Wellness Committee, organized the program as she has since its inception. She promises an evening of remembrance, hope and community.

Ms. Kraus turned her grief at the loss of her son Evan from opioid addiction to helping others. Her message now is for those who think their lives are untouched by addictions, it can happen to anyone and no one should wait until it’s on their doorstep to gather vital information that could save the life of a loved one. The program will not only provide information on addictions, but focus on dealing with grief.

This year’s Vigil will welcome a speaker from THRIVE East End in Riverhead who will talk about services available to those battling alcohol and/or drug addiction.

The program is an extension of other THRIVE venues on Long Island, created by the Family & Children’s Association based in Garden City.

THRIVE was born out of the opioid and heroin crisis and is “a free, non-clinical, peer-led space where everyone is welcomed with kindness and respect — no matter where you are in your journey,” according to the organization’s website.

Those who attend will have an opportunity to write questions on cards that will be distributed. The cards will be selected by Health & Wellness Committee member and social worker Nancy Green, a Reporter columnist, to be addressed by various speakers.

This year, the program starts a half hour earlier at 6:30 p.m. to assure there is still some daylight at its conclusion so attendees can speak to representatives of various organizations who will have tables bearing information about various services in the area.