Break the Hold

GPS: Going Places Skillfully | Navigational Tools for Parenting & Life
2020-02-27 19:00 - 21:00, 2020-01-16 19:00 - 21:00 UTC | Plesantville HS Library, 60 Romer Ave., Plesantville, NY, 10570
There are 4 sessions in this GPS Class. Each session will cover a different piece of DBT Steps-A (Skills Training for Emotional Problem Solving for Adolescents). The 4 parts are Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance and Interpersonal Effectiveness.
The program will provide the tools and skills needed to guide you through your most difficult challenges in parenting and life! Learn skills for parenting children of ALL ages!
NOTE: While it is helpful to attend all 4 sessions, it is not required. REGISTER HERE!!!
Presented by Empowered Living Community and Sponsored by The Break the Hold Organization

BTH Benefit: "Raise the Volume"
2020-02-08 19:30 - 23:30 | Club Infinity, 404 Irvington St., Plesantville, 10570, United States
Please join us for a night of dinner, dancing, and drinks while supporting an important cause – SUICIDE PREVENTION AND YOUTH EMOTIONAL WELLNESS.
BTH stands for “Break the Hold” on mental illness. BTH was established by the Halloran Family in honor of their late son, Brian Thomas Halloran, also BTH, who passed on January 23, 2018. Our mission is suicide prevention and youth emotional wellness by delivering evidenced based resilience programs to students, parents, coaches and members of the community. Through education and open dialogue, BTH hopes to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020
Time: 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Place: Club Infinity, 404 Irvington Street, Pleasantville, NY 10570
To register click on: BTH BENEFIT 2020

Wrestling Ghosts - A Documentary Screening
2020-01-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford, NY, 10506, United States
Date: Sunday, January 19
Time: 6:00 PM
Place: Bedford Playhouse; 633 Old Post Rd., Bedford, NY 10506
Tickets: CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKET(S)
Wrestling Ghosts is a raw, intimate, and heart-opening documentary about parenting, childhood trauma, and healing. Wrestling Ghosts follows the epic inner journey of Kim, a young mother who, over two heart-breaking and inspiring years, battles the traumas from her past to create a new present and future for her and her family. In this intimate portrait, Kim shares deeply personal moments, learns about the impact of childhood trauma on her brain, and how, tragically, this very damage causes the trauma to be passed on to her own children. Armed with knowledge and compassion, she pursues new strategies to heal herself.
Hosted by Mindfulness for a Messy Life Creator, Elizabeth Kemler:
“Wrestling Ghosts is very moving and very stirring—a real accomplishment. The portrayal both of mental suffering and of therapy is profound and beautifully done.” – ANDREW SOLOMON, AUTHOR OF THE NOONDAY DEMON & FAR FROM THE TREE
“Wrestling Ghosts is a powerful and important look at one mother’s journey to heal from past trauma so she can more fully show up for her kids, and for her life.”— DEBBIE REBER, PARENTING ACTIVIST, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, CREATOR OF TILT PARENTING
“Powerful!! Needed!!! Important!!!”— CISSY WHITE, SPEAKER, JOURNALIST, AND HEALTH ACTIVIST, FOUNDER OF FOUNDER OF HEAL WRITE NOW
Panel:
ANA JOANES — DIRECTOR / PRODUCER
Ana Joanes is a documentary filmmaker dedicated to inspiring conscious action and systemic change through film. Her previous works include Generation Meds, an exploration of our fears and misgivings about mental illness and medication, and Fresh, which celebrates the farmers, thinkers and entrepreneurs who are reinventing our food system. Before dedicating herself to filmmaking, Ana was a lawyer. She founded Reel Youth, Inc., a video production program for youth coming out of detention and other underserved youth. Ana is the mother of three children, and with Wrestling Ghosts, she hopes to contribute to a shift toward a more compassionate world. Read more about this groundbreaking films at: WrestlingGhosts.com
Elizabeth Kemler, Creator, Mindfulness for a Messy Life
Elizabeth Kemler is an author, educator, and performer, whose mission is to raise awareness around the social and psychological issues that can compromise our quality of life while offering relevant, real-world tools and techniques to proactively address them. For the past 20 years, Elizabeth has worked with Fortune 500 companies, colleges, high-schools, and non-profit organizations, creating and teaching courses that promote social-emotional learning, presentation skills, career readiness and mental wellness. Elizabeth’s most recent project is Mindfulness for a Messy Life, is a dynamic, interactive program designed to help those struggling with depression and anxiety,gain transformational insights into the source of their symptoms, recognize their own capacity for healing, and build a sustainable set of inner and outer resources to manage their symptoms and raise their well-being baseline. Learn more about this life-changing program at: Mindfulnessforamessylife.com
Duncan Simpson, LCSW
Duncan Simpson is a psychotherapist with a clinical focus on psychological trauma, including PTSD, C-PTSD, developmental trauma, male trauma, substance abuse, sexual disorders and other disorders related to traumatic stress. He believes there is an inner light in all individuals, regardless of circumstances, which, when cultivated, can lead to remarkable and enduring life changes. Having significant personal experience in life transformation, he is committed to helping his clients face their unique life challenges, using a compassionate, strengths-based approach. After working as a substance abuse counselor in the IOP of a major psychiatric hospital in Westchester County, NY for several years, he transitioned to working with individuals, couples, and families in private settings throughout NY and CT. Duncan also facilitates therapy, psycho-education and dual-diagnosis groups to further support clients’ growth and well-being.
Brian Halloran, Co-Founder, Break the Hold Foundation
Break the Hold Foundation was founded by Brian and Jolina Halloran after the tragic loss of their son to suicide in 2018. BTH provides resources and educational programming and sponsors community-based events, to promote mental wellness and suicide prevention for high school and middle school youth, young adults, family members, educators, and community members throughout Westchester and nearby communities. They are actively helping to raise awareness of the warning signs of those most vulnerable to suicide and empowering young people to speak up. BTH has also established a scholarship in Brian’s honor to a graduating student from Pleasantville High School that demonstrates a commitment, passion, and volunteerism for mental health advocacy. Please check them out at bthbreakthehold.org to learn more about the amazing work they’re doing.

PvilleCares Family Support Group
2019-12-18 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-12-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-11-20 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-11-06 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-10-16 19:30 - 21:00, 2019-10-02 19:30 - 21:00 | Pleasantville Recreation Center, 48 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, 10570, United States
Free. Open to everyone.
Watching a loved one struggle with addiction and/or a mental illness is devastating. Having a strong support system is key. PvilleCares is a free, bi-weekly support group that provides ongoing education, support and resources for families dealing with youth and young adult substance abuse, addiction and mental illness. PvilleCares addresses the needs of parents and caregivers by connecting affected families with shared experiences and if facilitated by a mental health professional. PvilleCares is designed to help caregivers cope with the stress, guilt, shame, anger, fear, and social isolation that often accompanies the stigma of mental illness, substance abuse and addiction. Pvillecares is a drop-in group that meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 7:30pm till 9:00pm at the Pleasantville Recreation Center. Attendees participate whenever they can. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet others and widen your support network.
For more information, email pvillecares@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook @pvillecares
2019 PvilleCares Meeting Schedule
7:30pm – 9:00pm
October 2 | October 16
November 6 | November 20
December 4 | December 18
Pleasantville Recreation Center
48 Marble Avenue
Pleasantville, NY 10570

Candlelight Vigil
2019-12-08 18:30 - 19:00 | Pleasantville High School, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, NY, 10570
Let’s honor the lives lost and support each other through this tragedy. We cannot move forward alone.
CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Date: Sunday, Dec 8, 2019
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Pleasantville High School Circle
NOTE: We will have some battery operated candles, but if you have your own candle or flashlight please bring it.

Support Services for Pleasantville Community | After Tragedy
2019-12-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Bedford Road Elementary School, 289 Bedford Road, Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
Our Pleasantville community is heartbroken. The Break the Hold Foundation & the Pleasantville School District are providing our community with support services for all families and individuals. Ask your questions to a licensed counselor.
When: Saturday, Dec 7, 2019
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Bedford Road Elementary School

Dad's Night for Mental Health
2019-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 | Pleasantville High School Cafeteria, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
Join the discussion on how to
UNDERSTAND, IDENTIFY, RESPOND & SUPPORT a youth experiencing a mental health crisis.
Learn about the common SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Learn concrete ACTION STEPS you can take to support a youth in crisis
Join us for for this FREE presentation
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Pleasantville High School Cafeteria
7:00pm-8:30pm
Pizza served!
Email pvillecares@gmail.com for more information or to reserve a spot!

Life After Suicide: A Community Conversation
2019-09-26 18:00 - 21:00 | Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 Bedford Rd., Chappaqua, NY, 10514, United States
Learn with us as Dr. Jennifer Ashton, author of the recently released book, Life After Suicide: Finding Courage, Comfort & Community After Unthinkable Loss, shares her family’s journey following personal loss, as well as the stories of others across the country.
Leading the conversation of this intimate and powerful evening will be MHA Board Member and mental health advocate, Sean A. Mayer, who lost his brother Ryan to suicide in 2014.
Books will be available for purchase at the event – guarantee your copy with a special pre-order purchase during online registration.
EVENT DETAILS:
Life After Suicide: A Community Conversation
featuring Jennifer Ashton, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.O.G., Ob-Gyn
ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent, Good Morning America
Thursday, September 26, 2019
6:00 p.m.
Chappaqua Performing Arts Center
Tickets: $10
Presented by:
Break The Hold
The Mental Health Association of Westchester
Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health

Youth Suicide Prevention Fundraiser at Knollwood Country Club
2019-09-14 13:00 - 23:00 | NY
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE. You will be brought to the BTH donation page. Please make sure to “Dedicate” your donation in honor of KCC in Tribute Name.
Any questions please contact Membership Office @ 914.592.7411 or email Maria Schulz at reception@knollwoodcc.com.

2nd Annual "Into-the-Light" Walk
2019-06-09 04:00 - 06:30 | Pleasantville High School, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
The 2019 “Into the Light Walk” will be on Sunday, June 9th | Check-in 4:00 A.M. | Walk starts promptly @ 4:30 A.M.
T-shirts guaranteed to the first 500 people to register.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Documentary Screening: RESILIENCE
2019-05-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Mount Pleasant Library, 350 Bedford Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 10570
Resilience is a new documentary that delves into the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and a new movement to treat and prevent toxic stress. Watch the trailer HERE
Researchers have recently discovered a dangerous biological syndrome caused by abuse and neglect during childhood. As the new documentary Resilience reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, no segment of society is immune. Resilience, however, also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back. Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting-edge science and field-tested therapies to protect children from the insidious effects of toxic stress—and the dark legacy of a childhood that no child would choose.
Please register for this event by clicking here: RESILIENCE REGISTRATION
There will be a Q&A discussion after the film. Refreshments following.

"A Better High" by Matt Bellace
2019-05-17 13:40 - 14:30 | Pleasantville Middle School, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, New York, 10570
MAY 17, 2019 | PLEASANTVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL | 8TH GRADE ASSEMBLY | EVENT FOR STUDENTS ONLY
For over 20 years, Matt Bellace has been traveling the country as a professional speaker and stand-up comedian. Dr. Bellace has a PhD in clinical neuropsychology, which is the study of the
brain and behavior.
This funny yet age-appropriate presentation focuses on natural highs, emotional resilience and mental health. It has been described as the perfect combination of stand-up comedy, interactive demonstrations and inspirational stories. Matt empowers middle school students to seek out positive friendships, express their feelings in productive ways and pursue healthy natural
highs. During the program, he also discusses how to use emotions to be more resilient and to do something great. Like all Matt’s programs, “A Better HIgh” has specific learning objectives.
Students will:
1. Understand the concept of a natural high and why it is different than a chemical high.
2. Be able to identify their unique natural highs and the value of using them to cope with stress.
3. Understand the importance of supporting each other in positive ways and having friends who are alcohol, tobacco and drug free.
4. Have fun and associate having fun with prevention in middle school.

GPS - Navigational Tools for Exceptional Parenting & Life (Online)
2019-05-07 19:00 - 21:00 | NY
Parents – learn skills that will help you navigate through parenting challenges, improve interpersonal skills, and effectively respond instead of react to your children. Please attend these free seminars sponsored by Break the Hold (BTH).
NOTE: This program consists of 2 sessions. You can take them in-person, on-line or a combination. Please choose any TWO dates:
April 3, 2019 – PHS Library; 7:00-9:00 PM
April 9, 2019 – Online; 7:00-9:00 PM; Link will be provided after you register
May 1, 2019 – PHS Library; 7:00 -9:00 PM
May 7, 2019 – Online; 7:00 – 9:00 PM; Link will be provided after you register
Register Here: GPS – Navigational Tools for Exceptional Parenting & Life

GPS - Navigational Tools for Exceptional Parenting & Life
2019-05-01 19:00 - 21:00, 2019-04-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Plesantville HS Library, 60 Romer Ave., Plesantville, NY, 10570

GPS - Navigational Tools for Exceptional Parenting & Life (Online)
2019-04-09 19:00 - 21:00 | Walk

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training
2019-04-07, 2019-03-10 | Pleasantville Recreation Center, 48 Marble Ave., Pleasantville, 10570, United States
This is similar to CPR training, but for your mental health! Please take a class it’s FREE! Sponsored by Pleasantville Strong.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders. This 8-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
Who should take this class? Parents, teachers, school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, and people who work with youth.
To Register: Email pvillecares@gmail.com

Senior Transition Meeting
2019-04-01 11:30 - 12:30 | Pleasantville High School Auditorium, 60 Romer Avenue, Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
The senior transition meeting will be held on Monday, April 1st at 11:30 AM. Attendance is required as part of the student’s application for spring open campus and the internship program. Our seniors will be making a large transition into the next chapter of their lives & this seminar will focus on skills and knowledge on how to handle these changes.
LUNCH from Sundance will be served.

Rethinking Technology
2019-03-05 19:30 - 21:00 | Empowered Living Community, 6 Cypress Lane, Briarcliff Manor, NY, 10510, United States
As a follow-up to the thought-provoking documentary, “Screenagers”, BTH is excited to invite you to our next free community event! Rethinking Technology, “Parenting in the Digital Age”.
Learn:
1. How to take the stress out of technology in your home
2. How to establish, enforce and maintain family rules and agreements around technology
3. How to model healthy use of digital devices for your family
4. How to help your family self-monitor technology use in and outside the home
5. How to use skillful and effective techniques for conflict resolution, should the need arise
Please note: SPACE IS LIMITED, PLEASE SIGN UP.
Register online: RETHINKING TECHNOLOGY

Screening of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect"
2019-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd, Plesantville, NY, 10570
PARENTS: This documentary is sponsored by Break the Hold, The Mental Health Association of Westchester, Films on Purpose and Pleasantville Strong. The screening will be held at the Jacob Burns Center. This is a FREE event. There is limited seating. RSVP REQUIRED. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE. Please bring your ticket with you to the screening.

SUICIDE – THE RIPPLE EFFECT
“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” is a feature length documentary film and MOVEMENT, currently in production, focusing on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope.
The film highlights the journey of Kevin Hines, who at age 19, attempted to take his life by jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge. Today Kevin is a world-renowned mental health advocate, motivational speaker and author who travels the globe spreading a message of hope, recovery and wellness.
The film chronicles Kevin’s personal journey and the ripple effect it has on those who have been impacted by his suicide attempt and his life’s work since. In addition, the film highlights the stories of individuals and families who are utilizing their personal tragedy to bring hope and healing to others.

WHY THIS STORY
Suicide is an epidemic that takes over 800,000 lives globally every year. In the United States alone there are one million suicide attempts and over 40,000 deaths by suicide every year. Our United States Military is devastatingly impacted with 22 Veterans dying everyday by suicide, and that is an understatement.
Research has shown that for every one suicide death, over 115 people are directly, and secondarily effected and the financial cost of suicide in the US is estimated to be over 40 billion dollars annually. Suicide is global public health crisis that is not receiving the attention it deserves and therefore millions continue to die and the ripple effects of these deaths continue to devastate parents, children, families, friends and communities. This film is uniting and igniting change that will have a tremendous positive impact on reducing the number of suicides and suicide attempts around the world. It is not just a film; it is a movement.
There have been other films about suicide but most have been very sombre. This film will take a very hopeful, intriguing, and yet entertainment-focused approach by highlighting the work being done by individuals who have been directly impacted by suicide. Work that raises eyebrows, and pushes people toward giving back to their communities.
In addition, this will be the first full length feature documentary film focused on Kevin’s story, which is very dramatic and miraculous.

BTH Benefit: "Raise the Volume"
2019-02-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Club Infinity, 404 Irvington St., Plesantville, 10570, United States
VIEW FLYER by clicking here: BTH Benefit Flyer 2019
Please join us for our first annual BTH “Raise the Volume Benefit”. Let’s have some fun! Enjoy music, games and dancing. Together let’s raise awareness on the importance of youth mental health and remove the stigma associated with mental illness.
Proceeds to benefit school and community programs that promote youth emotional wellness.
Dress: Party attire
REGISTER ONLINE by clicking here: BTH BENEFIT “Raise the Volume”
Thank you for your support!

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
2019-01-23 - 2019-01-24 | MHA Westchester, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY, 10570, United States
ASIST is appropriate for all members of the community regardless of prior experience or training. It is based upon the premise that most people who have thoughts of suicide do not fully want to die but are struggling with pain in their lives, and that through their words and actions, invite help to stay alive. ASIST is also appropriate for professionals of all disciplines who can enhance their skills with these trainings. Participants will learn about “contributaries” to thoughts of suicide, to recognize “invitations” to ask about thoughts of suicide, to have a conversation with someone at risk, and to connect to effective sources of support.
Course fee: $75 (New York State Office of Mental Health provides support for this training.)
15 Contact Hours for New York State Licensed Master Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors available.
Note: This is a 2 day workshop on 1/23-1/24 from 9:00am – 5:00pm
Suicide Prevention Center of New York (SPCNY), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0384.
The Suicide Prevention Center of New York (SPCNY), is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0090.
Please download and fill out the registration form here, and email it to rosenowc@mhawestchester.org or fax to 914-347-8827, attention Chuck Rosenow.

SafeTALK
2019-01-17 09:30 - 12:00 | Chuck Rosenow @ MHA Westchester, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 510, Tarrytown, NY, 10591, United States
Thoughts of suicide are common – more than 9 million American adults acknowledged having thoughts of suicide when asked that question in 2014. Recognizing and acknowledging risk of suicide is a powerful beginning to help save a life. safeTALK is a 3 hour training that teaches people not to “miss, dismiss, or avoid” signs of suicidal thinking, effective ways to start the conversation, and provides information to help connect individuals at risk to useful supports and services. safeTALK is designed for all community members, as any of us in our personal or professional lives may have friends, family members, colleagues, or people with whom we work who are at risk. safeTALK is not recommended for individuals who have completed ASIST training.
Course fee: $10 (New York State Office of Mental Health provides support for this training.)
3 Contact Hours for New York State Licensed Master Social Workers, Licensed Clinical Social Workers, and Licensed Mental Health Counselors available.
Suicide Prevention Center of New York (SPCNY), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0384.
The Suicide Prevention Center of New York (SPCNY), is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors #MHC-0090.
Please download and fill out the registration form and email it to rosenowc@mhawestchester.org or fax to 914-347-8827, attention Chuck Rosenow
