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Suicide Prevention Alliance Of Chautauqua County Receives Donation

Joanne Hodkin, right, presents Carri Raynor, family lead of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, with a donation made in memory of Hodkin’s son, Seth Wolnik.

MAYVILLE — A $4,045 donation was recently made to the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County in memory of Seth Wolnik by Joanne Hodkin, Seth’s mother.

The check was presented to Carri Raynor, family lead of the alliance.

A celebration of Wolnik’s life was held on May 15. Hodkin organized the event to both celebrate his life and to raise awareness of suicide prevention in the area.

Wolnik, 26, worked at the State University at Fredonia and was known for his love of the outdoors. He is also remembered for his loyalty to family and friends. His family invited those touched by his life or moved by his story to contribute to the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County in his memory.

The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County was formed under Chautauqua Tapestry and the Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene. The alliance is dedicated to protecting and promoting life by fostering shared responsibility through raising awareness and community supports while embracing hopefulness and resiliency in the Chautauqua region.

Donations made to the Alliance are given through the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Money is used for further works of mental health and suicide prevention such as trainings, awareness events, school prevention programs and support groups.

Carri Raynor of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County worked closely with Hodkin to support the event.

“I am sorry for what brought us together, but am so grateful for getting to know Joanne over the last five months,” said Raynor. “She has shared great memories of Seth and told me about his beautiful daughters. There is hope and healing after loss of a loved one to suicide. You do not have to struggle in silence. There are many loss survivors who will sit, listen and understand how you are feeling. Reach out a hand and say that you need help.”

A local support group for adults is held every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at The Chautauqua Center in Jamestown from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information about the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County, volunteer opportunities or to make a contribution, visit www.preventsuicidechq.com.

Those who are experiencing a crisis can call the 24/7 Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline at 1-800-724-0461, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.

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