In 2012, Sammamish Hills Lutheran Pastor John LaMunyon presided over four funerals for local youth who had committed suicide. In response, he combined forces with several other local pastors, educators and mentors and launched Project Hope, a small group that seeks to bridge the gap between leaders of churches, schools, law enforcement, and city government in the hopes of preventing teen suicides, and responding as a team in the aftermath of those tragedies.
“In the long run, if there is a long run, we will expand our work to include parents and other service providers, but for this school year it’s just this small group of folks working to establish better communications between those who work with youth in our community,” LaMunyon said.
On April 29, as part of Project Hope, LaMunyon facilitated a conversation focusing on “Hurt 2.0,” a book by Dr. Chap Clark that outlines what is in the hearts and minds of teenagers, and how the challenges they face in today’s climate can be navigated.
“While John is a lead pastor at Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, he is speaking from the view point of a father, stepfather and someone who has worked with youth for more than 30 years,” said Diane Meehl, communications manager for the church.
Meehl said that a common theme shared by discussion guests was the pressure they and their kids feel in the Sammamish community to achieve excellence in every sphere of their lives.
During the discussion, LaMunyon explained that one of the primary calls of Chap’s book is for parents to be adults and parents, not buddies or best friends.
“All too often, in the desire to be liked by our children, or simply having been worn down by their own pervasive pressures, parents end up abandoning their proper parental role of providing clear boundaries, engaging in regular conversation over what their kids are up to in life, challenging inappropriate behaviors, etcetera,” he said. “Without guides to help navigate the waters of life, children can end up in great trouble in school and at home.”
While LaMunyon stated that Project Hope is a slow-moving organization, it is bringing together different people who work with youth and families in order to improve the soil in which families and children in the community grow. Project Hope members include Skyline principal Lisa Hechthman, Pine Lake Covenant Lead Pastor Mark Meredith and Youth Pastor Nick Pringle, Mary Queen of Peace Business Adminstrator Rich Shively and Youth Worker Anna Ricci, Sammamish Presbyterian Senior Pastor Jeff Lincicome and Youth Workers Josh Schach and Amber Slate, and Sammamish Hills Director of Youth and Family Ministries Kaitlin Barbosa.
“The long term benefit will, we hope, be healthier kids and families,” LaMunyon said. “You can’t have healthy families without healthy kids.”
Another “Hurt 2.0” forum will take place on May 6 at Skyline High School, Room 2212 from 7-8:30 p.m. It will also be hosted by LaMunyon and anyone is welcome to join. The reading of Hurt 2.0 is encouraged, but not necessary.
The study of Hurt 2.0 will be followed up by a discussion of Dr. Madeline LeVine’s books “Teach Your Children Well: Parenting for Authentic Success” and “The Price of Privilege” on May 20 and 27 in the main library of Eastlake High School. For further details, contact: Kaitlin@shlc.org.
Kelly Montgomery: 425-391-0363; kmontgomery@issaquahreporter.com
