PELHAM TOGETHER BRINGS THE FIRST DAY FILM TO PELHAM
SCREENING WILL TAKE PLACE OCT. 17, 7:30PM, AT THE PICTURE HOUSE

October 1, 2019 - Pelham, NY – Pelham Together will host a screening of the important film, The First Day, on
October 17 th , 7:30pm, at The Picture House. The First Day chronicles the struggles of pro basketball player
Chris Herren, who overcame a substance addiction and received treatment for depression.
“Substance use is a reality that our children face in one way or another at young ages, and Pelham is no
different. In this film, Chris uses his own vulnerabilities as a way to profoundly connect with young people in
such an authentic way that they want to listen,” said Laura Caruso, Executive Director of Pelham Together.
“Chris Herren uses stories to open the dialogue around substance use and mental health, encouraging all of us
to focus on the first day of a young person’s struggle with these issues, as opposed to waiting for their last
days. This changes the conversation for all of us.” Following the film, there will be a Q&A session with the
producer, Jonathan Hock, who has worked with Chris for a number of years as he has pursued his life as a
wellness advocate.
Every two years, Pelham Together administers a survey of our 8 th , 10 th , and 12 th graders regarding their
substance use behaviors and mental and emotional health. The results from our most recent youth health
survey indicated how high a rate Pelham teens drink, binge drink, and vape marijuana. This is a community
conversation. Please join us. Tickets available for advance purchase at pelhamtogether.org starting 10/5 and
at the door.
This film is recommended for high school students and their parents. We are honored to present this film at
The Picture House, which continues to be an avid supporter of Pelham Together. Adults $10, teens free.

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About Pelham Together
Pelham Together is a not-for-profit ,community-based coalition located in Pelham, NY. Our mission is to ensure a
healthy and vibrant community for and with the youth of Pelham. We do that by connecting the community, informing
parents and families about youth-related topics, and elevating our youth to empower them. www.pelhamtogether.org