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HOPE JOURNAL Stories of Your Support at Work

Summer 2026

As summer begins to fade and the rhythm of fall returns, September brings an important opportunity to shine a light on one of the most urgent public health challenges facing our communities: suicide. Every life lost is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community forever changed. During Suicide Prevention Month, we are reminded that hope is something we can create together. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, For All Seasons provides lifesaving mental health services, crisis intervention, and community education throughout Maryland. Your support helps ensure that when someone is facing their darkest moment, they have somewhere to turn. Thank you for standing with us in our lifesaving mission. ~ Beth Anne Dorman, President & CEO

“I’M FINE” ISN’T THE WHOLE STORY At For All Seasons, we witness the profound impact that trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, isolation, financial hardship, relationship struggles, and life challenges can have on an individual's mental health. We also firmly believe that hope can be restored. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States, claiming more than 48,800 lives in 2024 (latest available data). An estimated 2.9 million Americans attempted suicide that same year. In Maryland, approximately 630 people die by suicide each year. While Maryland continues to have one of the nation's lowest suicide rates, the state experienced a troubling 4% increase in suicide deaths, even as the national rate declined. But these numbers tell only part of the story.

Suicide affects people of every age, profession, and background; however, some groups face greater risk. Men account for nearly 80% of suicide deaths, despite representing only half of the population. Adults between the ages of 35 and 64 experience the highest rates, while suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people. In Maryland, firearms are involved in nearly half of all suicide deaths, highlighting the importance of education, early intervention, and reducing access to lethal means during a crisis.

This year marks For All Seasons’ 10th annual “No Matter What… You Matter” suicide prevention campaign. This year’s theme, “I’m Fine” Isn’t the Whole Story, reminds us that even when someone says they are fine, we don’t always know what they are going through. Looking more carefully and starting a thoughtful conversation can help someone feel seen and supported. Every day, our clinicians are compassionately supporting people from all walks of life – working with children, teens, adults, veterans, first responders, families, and older adults – meeting people where they are and helping them find a path forward. Just as importantly, our Center for Learning programs work to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, making it easier for people to ask for help before they reach a breaking point. Supporters like you are the foundation of our work. Every donation helps For All Seasons provide therapy, psychiatric care, crisis response, advocacy, and prevention programs that reach individuals before crisis arises. Your generosity allows us to offer same-day care through our Open Access program, expand telehealth services across the entire state, train educators and community leaders through our Center for Learning to recognize warning signs, and equip first responders, healthcare professionals, and community members with the tools to intervene when someone is struggling. Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of one person or one organization. It takes an entire community willing to listen, to care, and to act. Because of your generosity, individuals and families across Maryland have access to compassionate care, crisis intervention, education, and support when they need it most.

SUICIDE RATES BY AGE RANGE The greatest number of suicide deaths in the U.S. occur among adults. Among young people, however, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, making prevention critical across every age group.

Citation for age and race stats listed above: Drapeau, C. W., & McIntosh, J. L. (2026). U.S.A. suicide: 2024 official final data. National Council for Suicide Prevention. www.thencsp.org/suicide-statistics

DISPARITIES AMONG MEN & WOMEN The suicide rate among males was approximately four times higher than the rate among females. Males make up 50% of the U.S. population, but about 80% of suicide deaths in the U.S.

men women Citation for sex disparities stats listed above: NCHS: the data is standard for all persons. Data was retrieved from the National Center for Injury and Control, CDC.

SUICIDE ON THE EASTERN SHORE According to the latest available data from the 2024 Maryland Youth Risk Behavior Survey — which examines behaviors contributing to leading causes of death and disability among public middle and high school students — the following suicide-related statistics were reported among Eastern Shore students:

YOUR DOLLARS AT WORK For All Seasons is working every day to identify people at risk for suicide and connect them with immediate, potentially life-saving intervention. In FY26, our clinical team completed 893 mental health screening tools, designed to broadly assess behavioral health needs and identify concerns across multiple psychiatric domains, including suicide risk. Of those screened, 164 individuals – nearly one in five – were identified as having an elevated, actionable level of suicide risk. Our clinicians immediately moved these individuals into a safety planning process to actively manage risk, identify protective supports, and determine the appropriate next steps for care. When the tragedy of suicide touches our community, For All Seasons shows up. We go into schools to support students and staff following a loss. When a student-athlete is involved, we work with teammates and coaches. We stand alongside first responders, providing trauma debriefings to help communities process what has happened, and make crisis appointments available for family members and others struggling in the aftermath. Sometimes, members of For All Seasons’ team attend funerals and visitations, and simply stay connected with family members and friends. From identifying risk before a crisis to walking alongside our community after a devastating loss, we will continue strengthening prevention, expanding access to care, and showing up when people need us most.

REACHING OUR YOUTH Thanks to the support of donors like you, For All Seasons has launched Real Talk: Conversations That Save Lives, a free, self-paced online course designed to help trusted adults talk with middle and high school students about mental health and suicide prevention. Created with local youth, the course explores real situations young people may face, including social media conflict, isolation, changes in behavior, and concern that a friend may be struggling. Through short video lessons and practical guidance, teens share their perspectives while adults learn how to start conversations, recognize when something may be wrong, and help young people reach out for support. For All Seasons is sharing Real Talk with families, schools, youth groups, and youth-serving professionals across the Shore, helping more adults feel prepared to have conversations that can make a difference. Take the free course at: https://bit.ly/RealTalkConversations

GIVING MADE SIMPLE This is part 3 of 3 in our giving strategy series. Learn more: forallseasonsstories.org/waystogive Building the Future: Lighting the Path Forward As For All Seasons prepares to celebrate its 40th Anniversary this October, we find ourselves reflecting on the thousands of lives touched over the past four decades – and looking ahead to the future we are building together. The year’s 40th anniversary event, our Be the Light Gala, is more than a celebration. It is a commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to mental healthcare, crisis support, education, advocacy, and prevention services each and every day, right here where they live, work, and raise their families. Every gift illuminates the path to a future where everyone has access to needed care.

Sidney Davenport-Trond VP, Advancement & Community Engagement strond@forallseasonsinc.org

Investing in the Next 40 Years The generosity of our donors has enabled For All Seasons to grow from a small organization serving a handful of clients into a trusted statewide agency that serves thousands each year. Yet the need for mental health and trauma-informed services continues to grow. As we plan for the future, we are investing in expanded access to care, innovative programs, workforce development, and community partnerships that will strengthen our ability to serve our region for decades to come.

A Legacy That Endures While annual gifts provide immediate support and tax-advantaged giving strategies can maximize your impact, some donors choose to create a lasting legacy through their estate plans. A gift through a will, trust, retirement account, or beneficiary designation can help ensure that For All Seasons remains a beacon of hope and healing for future generations. These gifts cost nothing today, yet can have a transformational impact tomorrow.

Every Gift Lights the Way Whether you make an annual contribution, donate appreciated assets, take advantage of tax-smart giving opportunities, attend our 40th Anniversary Gala, or include For All Seasons in your long-term plans, you are helping build a stronger future for our community. We are not only honoring the past 40 years – we are lighting the path forward for the next 40. To learn more about ways to support the future of For All Seasons, please contact Sidney Davenport-Trond (contact above). The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult your professional advisors regarding your specific situation.

FOR ALL SEASONS, INC. 111 E Dover Street Easton, MD 21601

FOR ALL SEASONS FREE SPEAKER SERIES EVENT:

Reclaiming Our Stories, Reclaiming Ourselves On September 16, Dr. Annie Brewster, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and founder of Health Story Collaborative, will be the keynote speaker as we bring awareness of Suicide Prevention to the community. Dr. Brewster will discuss the role of storytelling in promoting mental health and well-being. Drawing on her work with individuals and communities navigating illness, trauma, and loss, she will explore how sharing and listening to stories can foster connection, resilience, meaning, and healing. She will also highlight the social science research on the health benefits of storytelling and offer practical ways to apply these insights in everyday life. To learn more about Dr. Brewster or to register for this free event, please scan the QR code or visit: AnnieBrewster.eventbrite.com

FOR ALL SEASONS OUT IN THE COMMUNITY JULY - Minority Mental Health Awareness Month: Learn more about our education and awareness campaigns and how you can join us.

Throughout July, For All Seasons advanced mental health awareness and connection through Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Cultural Competency Staff Training, and community partnerships. We welcomed more than 130 seasonal workers to our 4th Annual Hoopers Island Resource Fair, partnered with Plein Air Easton on Peaceful Pours to promote wellness, and supported World Day Against Trafficking in Persons through awareness and survivor support.

AUGUST - National Grief Awareness Month: During August, For All Seasons highlighted National Grief Awareness Month and compassionate support for those navigating loss. President & CEO Beth Anne Dorman and staff joined Compass Regional Hospice’s Camp New Dawn for the Spread Joy Confetti Toss, bringing joy to grieving families. We also connected with communities through our 7th Annual School Supplies Giveaway & Resource Fair, St. Michaels National Night Out, the Maryland Association of Counties conference, a Veteran Stand Down in Ocean Pines, and school and college outreach.

SEPTEMBER - Suicide Prevention Month: Throughout September, For All Seasons will recognize National Suicide Prevention Month with education, connection, and hope. Programming includes the inaugural Eastern Shore First Responder Peer Support Symposium, a Lunch & Learn about Counseling on Access to Lethal Means, and a Speaker Series event with Dr. Annie Brewster featuring the inaugural HOPE Awards honoring first responders who have made a meaningful difference in preventing suicide in our community. We’ll also host an Open House celebrating our renovated Talbot Street office in Easton.