Local Jewish community member and author Deborah Shouse is partnering with First Call and Crafted: A Fair Trade Collective for an event aimed at raising awareness about addiction, mental health and the impact of grief.
The event will feature a short reading and brief discussion of Shouse's new book, “Letters From The Ungrateful Dead: A Grieving Mom’s Correspondence With Her Deceased Adult Daughter.”
The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Crafted (formerly known as Ten Thousand Villages), 7947 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204.
Several years ago, Shouse’s older adult daughter passed away from an overdose of meth and fentanyl. This profound loss inspired “Letters From the Ungrateful Dead.” A grief therapist advised Shouse to write letters to her daughter and have her “write back” — these correspondences comprise her book.
In addition to featuring Shouse's book, the event will include conversation about the shared goals of First Call in addressing the root causes of addiction and supporting those in recovery. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Shouse, purchase signed copies of her book and learn more about how they can contribute to First Call’s mission.
First Call is a nonprofit organization whose mission is reducing the impact of alcohol, drugs and other addictions by providing quality resources to individuals, families and the community.
"I value the important role First Call plays in our community," Shouse said. "Too many people have experienced situations similar to my own. I'm hoping my book will help those dealing with loss, as well as those whose loved ones struggle with addiction and mental health issues."
Fifteen percent of the profits made during the event will go back to First Call. More information about the event and First Call is available at firstcallkc.org.
