Global speaker, author, and Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor, Kevin Hines, speaks at events hosted by United Counseling Service

United Counseling Service (UCS) welcomed global public speaker, author, and documentary filmmaker, Kevin Hines, to Burr and Burton Academy’s Riley Center for the Arts on October 19 to speak about his experiences as a Golden Gate Bridge jump survivor and mental health advocate. Kevin spoke to a packed theater at Burr and Burton Academy on Thursday night and gave two back-to-back talks for students at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington, VT the next morning. The event at Riley Center for the Arts was made possible by the Gregory S. Hillman Fund and The Nathan M. Carreira Endowment of the Stratton Community Foundation and was one of several events held this year to celebrate UCS 65th Anniversary.

“Kevin’s story and voice are so impactful, especially at a time when our community faces increasing rates of suicide, mental health crises, and substance use challenges,” says Lorna Mattern, Executive Director at UCS. “We hope that by inviting Kevin to share his message with our community, we were able to reach individuals who struggle with their mental health or know people who struggle.”