Break the Hold

Dad's Night for Mental Health
2019-11-19 19:00 - 20:30 UTC | 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!

PvilleCares Family Support Group
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

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
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
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

Facebook Fundraiser in Memory of Brian T. Halloran
2018-11-20 - 2019-01-31
During this holiday season, why not give a gift of a donation towards youth mental health? All funds raised will go towards the Mental Health Association of Westchester c/o the BTH Foundation (501 c-3).
Not only is this the start of the holiday season, but December 14th marks Brian’s 1st birthday in heaven. Brian lost his battle with depression on Jan 23, 2018. The BTH Foundation was created days after his passing to honor his kindness towards all those suffering from depression & anxiety.
The BTH mission is to provide school and community-based advocacy promoting youth emotional wellness, resilience and suicide prevention.
No donation is too small. PLEASE DONATE.
We wish everyone peace and joy this holiday season.
Love ~ Jolina, Brian, Brendan & Jack Halloran

Pleasantville Youth Service Provider Summit
2018-11-10 11:00 - 15:00 | Holy Innocents, 431 Bedford Rd., Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
The Break the Hold Foundation and Pleasantville STRONG cordially invite you to our first annual Youth Service Provider Summit.
DATE | TIME: Saturday, November 10 from 11 am – 3 pm.
COST: $0 – FREE and a light lunch will be served.
LOCATION: Holy Innocents | 431 Bedford Rd., Pleasantville, NY 10570
The purpose of this summit is to bring local youth service providers together to foster sustainable collaboration, improve connections, communication and service delivery. The goal is to create a safety net for our youth, implement proactive strategies, and provide a unified response to the challenges they face in order to improve the quality of life, safety and health of Pleasantville youth.
To register, please click on this link: REGISTER NOW
When registering, please choose a sector you most closely identify with. If none apply please choose other. For more information please reach out to BTHBreakTheHold@gmail.com or pvillestrongcoalitioncoordinator@yahoo.com

Current Behavioral Health Issues Impacting College Students
2018-11-01 08:30 - 13:30 | NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Division, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY, 10528, United States
The New-York Presbyterian (NYP) Youth Anxiety Center is hosting a FREE seminar entitled “Current Behavioral Health Issues Impacting College Students”. This is a great seminar if you have a current college student or soon-to-be college student dealing with behavioral health issues. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR TO REGISTER
Speakers and Topics include:
– Suicide & Self-Injurious Behaviors Among College Students, Patricia Marino, PhD & Steven Roth, MD
– Working with Parents of Students Requiring Hospitalization, Matt Specht, PhD
– Legal and Ethical Factors Around Admission and Confidentiality, Carolyn Wolf, ESQ
– Diagnosis & Treatment of Students on the Spectrum, Megan Kovac, PhD & Lauren Pepa, PhD
– Sexual Assault on Campuses, Elizabeth Allen, PhD

Documentary Screening of "Suicide: The Ripple Effect"
2018-09-26 18:00 - 21:00 | City Center 15 Cinema de Lux, 237 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10601, United States
“Suicide: The Ripple Effect” is a feature-length documentary film focusing on the devastating effects of suicide and the tremendous positive ripple effects of advocacy, inspiration and hope that are helping millions heal and stay alive.
The film highlights the story 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 his message of hope, recovery and wellness.
www.suicidetherippleeffect.com
Open to the Public
Hosted by NAMI Westchester (www.namiWestchester) & The JED Foundation (www.thejedfoundation.org)

Youth Mental Health "Sunset Cruise"
2018-08-19 17:30 - 19:00 | Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598, United States
All donations can be made here:
gofundme.com/5ro8epk
This fundraiser is being held for BTH (Break The Hold) a wonderful foundation created by a loving family after a heart-reeling loss to suicide of their son, Brian Thomas Halloran. This foundation is spreading the word to break the hold on the stigma of mental illness. Mental illness needs to be spoken about and destigmatized!!!
This event will be taken place on Sunday, August 19th, 2018. We will all meet in the Jefferson Valley mall parking lot. I will be there starting at 430pm. The cruise will start to head out at 630pm. We will be going over Bear Mountain to see the sunset (hopefully the sky will be purple!) and then into Cold Spring. You are welcome to follow back to the mall if you wish!!
Please spread the word and help us break the hold on the social stigma of mental illness!!!
All muscle/track/rally cars are welcome!!
To donate, please click on this link: gofundme.com/5ro8epk
All proceeds will be going to the foundation!

Foley's Celebrates a Historic Year in Pleasantville Sports
2018-08-12 14:00 - 17:00 | Foley’s Club Lounge, 479 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY, 10570, United States
Let’s celebrate a Historic Year in Pleasantville Sports
Football Class B State Champions
Lacrosse Class D State Champions
Cross Country Section Champions
Baseball Section Champions
Commemorative “Pville is TitleTown”
T-Shirts to all guests, unlimited Food and one beverage included* (soft drinks, beer and wine.)
Come celebrate, support BTH and welcome the opening of camp for all Fall Sports.
Sponsored by Foley’s, with support from the Cigar Boyz. All ages welcome.

Understanding the Link Between Mental Health / Substance Misuse
2018-06-20 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Vincent Hospital, 275 North Street, Harrison, NY, 10528
Approximately 10.2 million individuals and their loved ones are impacted by co-occurring disorders (COD) – the combination of one or more mental health challenges and substance misuse/addiction.
Speaker Stephanie Marquesano from The Harris Project will help us understand the link between mental health and substance misuse/ addiction, will speak about risk factors and ways we can change outcomes.
Free | Open to the public | Hosted by The Harris Project & NAMI

Get On Your Mat For Mental Health
2018-06-20 17:30 - 19:30 | Court Street, between Main Street and Martine Avenue White Plains, NY, Court Street, White Plains, NY, United States
Our mega-yoga event is Wednesday, June 20. Join us for an all-levels yoga flow that will support your physical and mental health. Let’s come together as a community to show that #MentalHealthMatters and spread awareness of how important it is to take care of ourselves and each other. It’s time to Get On Your Mat For Mental Health!

Comedy for a Cause
2018-06-11 20:30 - 21:30 | PHS Auditorium
An amazing night of laughter and charity. Portion of ticket proceeds to benefit BTH foundation.
Tickets available at www.showtix4u.com
