IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WLUC) – At Iron Mountain Church of Hope, Lead Pastor Anthony Miller is planning the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration with Forever Friendship Executive Director Talitha Dahlquist.

Thanksgiving is the first holiday in the Hope for the Holidays partnership. The two groups met through the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce, Miller said.

“When I researched Forever Friendship and spoke with its directors, I could see how aligned we were in adding value to our city and saving lives,” Miller said.

The Hope for the Holidays program offers people struggling with mental illness or addiction a space to celebrate the holiday season with their peers. Every holiday includes a meal, activities, and crafts.

Dahlquist says the holidays can be a difficult time for some people.

“Our whole goal for the holidays is to reduce the suicide rate, reduce the relapse rate, reduce the overdose rate, and create a support network that will hopefully continue throughout the year,” Dahlquist said.

Forever Friendship can offer commuting services to Iron County residents who wish to attend each session.

Both Friendship Forever and Hope Church are non-profit organizations and accept donations for their Hope for the Holidays program. Miller says donations go directly to supporting events.

“Every dollar will go to one of our holiday events, whether it’s Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve; every dollar will go to providing meals, providing activities, providing crafts,” Miller said.

Find dates, times and donation links at: Hope for holiday website.

Thanksgiving, Second Chance Saturday, Christmas Eve and Christmas events will be held at Hope Church Iron Mountain.

Hanukkah and Kwanzaa events will be held at The Forever Friendship Drop-In.

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