"The Power of Being There: A Community Member's Story of Hope"

James, a local fitness instructor in Broken Arrow who never expected his Tuesday morning cycling class would become more than just exercise. "Sometimes the biggest impact we make isn't through grand gestures, but through simply being present and attentive," he shares.

James noticed when Carrie, a regular participant in his class, began showing subtle changes in her behavior. Her usually energetic presence had dimmed, and she started missing sessions – something out of character for her. Rather than letting it slide, James remembered his TSP ASIST training.

"The training taught me that reaching out, even when you're uncertain, can make all the difference," James explains. After class one day, he simply asked Carrie how she was doing and mentioned that he'd missed seeing her regular smile. This simple conversation opened a door.

Drawing from his TSP resources, James shared information about the upcoming Gobbler Gravel Grinder event and TSP's support network. "I didn't try to solve everything," he says. "I just made sure she knew she wasn't alone and that our community had her back."

With gentle encouragement, Carrie connected with TSP's Hope and Healing program. Today, she's not only back in class but has joined TSP also helps organize community events. "It's amazing how one conversation can create ripples of positive change," James reflects.

The experience transformed James too. He now hosts monthly "Ride for Hope" sessions, combining fitness with mental health awareness, and has become an advocate for TSP's ASIST training program in the local fitness community.

Remember: You don't need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Sometimes, being an observant and caring community member is enough to help someone find their way to hope.

Want to learn how you can support others in your community? Contact TSP to learn about ASIST training programs. Together, we can build a stronger safety net for those who need it most.