This event will include inspiring keynote speakers, community resources & actionable tools for schools, families, and professionals. The program is designed for educators, parents, students, mental health professionals, community leaders, advocates, faith-based leaders and YOU!
Among those who will speak during the event are Ben Zobrist, former professional baseball second baseman and outfielder who played in three World Series and won the last two, becoming a two-time World Series champion in consecutive seasons of 2015 with the Royals and 2016 with the Cubs. He was the World Series MVP in 2016.
He has been open about his personal mental health struggle, including anxiety and depression, which he experienced at different points during his MLB career, particularly after the 2016 World Series. To address these challenges and the challenges faced by other athletes, Zobrist founded Champion Forward in 2023, an initiative dedicated to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of young athletes, their families, and coaches. He advocates for addressing mental health in sports by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing resources rooted in his Christian faith.
There will also be vendors from area mental health organizations to talk about their services.
Tickets for the event are $20 per person, although some tickets are available for those unable to pay the ticket price.
The event is presented by Find Hope Franklin, a mental health initiative started in 2020 by Franklin Mayor Dr. Ken Moore that now includes dozens of organizations and individuals looking to combat the stigma associated with mental health discussions and access to services.
