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Hope in the Midst of Tragedy
By Clara Reynolds, President & CEO 

On Saturday, June 11th, 49 people were killed and 53 injured in what police are calling a domestic terrorist incident at the predominately gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando.

Given the number of people lost and injured, and the proximity of Tampa to Orlando, many people from our community have been affected by this tragedy.  The full impact of this horrific event is still unfolding, but there is no doubt that survivors, and those who lost a loved one, need love, support, and compassion to heal from the trauma they have experienced.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay stands in solidarity with the LGBT and Orlando communities. We have reached out to the LGBT communities in both Orlando and Tampa to offer our support for survivors and families.  In addition, we are working with the United Way and their providers, including Orlando's 2-1-1 organization, to provide help.

This event can cause us to think we live in a hateful world, but as we look at the response that started on Sunday morning, we can see this is not the case. 
READ MORE   
KidsatTheCrisisCenter - News from the Crisis Center -

Band-Aids and Safety Bears: Samantha's Story

Samantha is an adorable 4-year-old girl with a vibrant personality and a big smile. A few months ago, however, her life was dark.

Her father, who had a terrible temper, had beaten Samantha so badly she had bruises on her shoulder, legs and back.  After the incident, Samantha's mother, Kendra, who had already filed for divorce, reported her husband to law enforcement and obtained an emergency injunction against him.

Samantha was traumatized. She had trouble sleeping at night and woke up screaming and crying. She asked her mom to move her bed away from the window because she feared her father would take her in the middle of the night.

Thankfully, Kendra & Samantha were referred to Corbett Trauma Center where Samantha was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Samantha's therapist, Lisa, used a Safety Bear as part of her counseling. Samantha loved her bear and slept with it every night. During counseling, the therapist and Samantha placed Band-Aids on the parts of the bear's body where Samantha's father had hurt her. As Samantha's healing progressed, she began removing the Band-Aids ... one at a time.

READ MORE
 
 
Local Veteran Finds Help and Hope

Providing Support to Veterans
in the 2-1-1 Contact Center
Life just seemed too difficult, and Richard couldn't take it anymore. He knew he needed help, so picked up his phone, dialed 1-844-MyFLVet, and was soon connected to Jamie McPherson, a Veteran Specialist at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Richard told Jamie he was 57 years old, had served in the army in the 1970s and had a service-related disability and post-traumatic Stress Disorder. He was struggling and having thoughts of suicide.

Jamie listened carefully and asked a number of questions. He determined Richard was not in immediate danger, but needed help.

Jamie developed a safety plan for Richard that involved focusing on his family and his faith. Richard also agreed to receive follow up calls from a Crisis Center Care Coordinator..... READ MORE  
TransCare Helps Kids Learn About Water Safety

Supervisors from TransCare recently visited students at Primrose School in Carrollwood and Little Wonders School in Tampa as part of a summer water safety initiative implemented by Florida Emergency Medical Services for Children. The TransCare representatives read the story "Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim" and talked with the children about water safety. Their visit to each school culminated in a tour of a TransCare ambulance during which they answered questions and reinforced that EMTs, firefighters and police officers are safe people who are there to be helpful.  
Providing Continuing Education to Financial Professionals

Developing a personal financial plan can be a daunting task.  With thousands of investment and estate planning options available, it can be overwhelming for someone to navigate alone.

This is why financial professionals such as Certified Financial Planners and Certified Public Accountants are so important.  It's their responsibility to stay on top of laws, products and trends, so their clients make sound financial decisions.

Financial professionals from the Tampa Bay area were invited to attend a free continuing education seminar on May 12th at the Crisis Center.  The half-day event was sponsored by Judy Gregory of First Financial Group of Tampa, and covered social security, preventing elder abuse, and strategies for domestic partners.

Attendees also received information about the Crisis Center's Legacy Society, a special giving circle comprised of generous individuals and families who have included the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in their estate plans.

If you're interested in learning more about joining the Legacy Society and how you can donate to the Crisis Center through your will, living trust or life insurance, contact Jennifer Moore at jmoore@crisiscenter.com or call (813) 969-4977.  
Events - Upcoming Events -

 
 
Share Your Heart Tours
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Thursday, July 28, 2016 
12pm-1pm   
 
Listen to stories about the people we help. See the facilities where we offer healing to clients. Hear about the urgent needs of the families we serve. Find ways to join us in making a difference in our community.

To learn more and register click HERE


 
 Beer & Bow Ties was created by a group of community volunteers. All proceeds will go directly to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, specifically benefiting Suicide Prevention and Awareness. Be certain to be there Wednesday, August 31st for a fun-filled evening! To learn more and purchase tickets, click HERE.     
Events Thank you to these Crisis Center Corporate Partners!