FEBRUARY 29 • 2024 | 21
J
N

O

n Sunday, March 10, 
you can be a part of an 
evening full of connec-
tion, listening and supporting 
each other through meaningful 
conversations and shared stories.
Five speakers, Max McColl, 
Chayala Torgow, Tina Clements, 
Mia Bragman and Sean English, 
will bravely share their personal 
journeys related to topics deal-
ing with mental health, commu-
nity and life.
The live storytelling event 
presented by Friendship Circle’s 
UMatter, “One Thing I Wish 
You Knew,
” aims to convey the 
powerful message that you are 
not alone. 
UMatter aims to create a safe, 
positive environment where 
teens are able to open up about 
their own mental health with 
their peers. It operates on a 
peer-to-peer model of teens 
helping one another overcome 
stigmas and obstacles related to 
mental health. UMatter operates 
within Friendship Circle and is 
led by Rabbi Yarden Blumstein, 
UMatter teen director.
“There’s a community around 
you, and you are worth it,
” Rabbi 

Blumstein described 
the messaging of 
the upcoming event. 
“
And the idea is 
taking down that 
stigma that stops us 
from talking about 
the things we need 
to talk about. It’s an 
event where people share their 
stories, strength and hopes.
”
The event takes place at The 
Community House, 380 S. Bates 
St., Birmingham. The program 
will begin at 5:30 p.m. 
Overall, Rabbi Blumstein 
hopes the event leads attendees 
to start important conversations 
about their mental health strug-
gles, and that it helps with the 
ultimate goal of saving lives. 
“We’ve seen teens bring their 
parents and afterwards have a 
pretty open conversation with 
them,
” Rabbi Blumstein said. 
“We’re hoping they start a con-
versation that needs to happen.
” 
“One Thing I Wish You 
Knew” is sponsored by 
Hebrew Free Loan. Get your 
free tickets at www.eventbrite.
com/e/one-thing-i-wish-you-
knew-tickets-825780019267. 

The free event is open to parents, too.

UMatter Event 
Seeks To Aid Teen 
Understanding 

DANNY SCHWARTZ SENIOR STAFF REPORTER

Rabbi 
Yarden 
Blumstein

CONNECTED

MARCH 9TH
AT 7:00PM
MARCH 10TH
AT 2:00PM

THANKS TO OUR PROGRAM PARTNERS:

BY ORI URIAN
CO

TEEN COMPANY PRESENTS

SHOWING AT SPONBERG THEATER
JUDY STURGIS HILL BUILDING, EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY*

* PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE ALEXANDER LOT AT
EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

$10 ADULT

$5 STUDENT

$5 SENIOR

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT: JKOPPERA@SPINNINGDOT.ORG

OR VISIT: SPINNINGDOT.ORG

DANIEL SHERBERT, M.D. F.A.C.S.
Certifi
 ed by The American Board of Surgery, 
The American Board of Plastic Surgery & Fellowship 
Trained in Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

Specializing in Cosmetic Surgery &

Aesthetic & Reconstructive Breast Surgery

W est Maple
Plastic Surgery

(248) 865-6400

5807 W. Maple • Suite 177 • West Bloomfi
 eld

Awaken the 
Beauty Within...

