In Woodland Park on Saturday, it was measured in shoes.
Some 277 pairs, along 300 feet of walkway in Dowling Gardens, bore witness to unfathomable pain: of young people who are no longer there to fill those boots, sandals and sneakers.
Teen suicide suicide and mental trauma in general was the subject of a sobering exhibit brought to the town by the Stigma Free Task Force, a group that since 2016 has been raising awareness of a growing problem.
On each pair of shoes, a tag with a quote. Actual words from a young person who died by suicide. I can t understand why I can t be happy. I have to sit alone at lunch. My coach doesn t believe in me. I am afraid to tell my parents that I am gay. Everyone thinks I have so much to live for, except me. My boyfriend hits me. Every day I want to die.
Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force Relaunches Under New Leadership
By TAPINTO PASSAIC VALLEY STAFF
May 3, 2021 at 12:01 AM
Credits: Borough of Woodland Park
Credits: Borough of Woodland Park
Credits: Borough of Woodland Park
By TAPINTO PASSAIC VALLEY STAFF
May 3, 2021 at 12:01 AM
WOODLAND PARK, NJ - After a period of dormancy due to COVID, the Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force has relaunched this spring with new leadership under chair Phyllis Hornstra and co-chair Christine Tiseo. The group, which has over 20 members, has met several times via Zoom over the last few months to plan events and activities.
In addition to an education campaign, members put up ribbons along McBride Avenue and around and in Dowling Gardens in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, and hosting a special exhibit called “In Their Shoes” on May 15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dowling Gardens to start. Many other activities are in the works in town and in the schools.