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"It is such a privilege to be a part of something that so clearly makes such a huge impact on people's lives. Volunteering here has made me realize what a huge difference the simple act of active listening can make, and it has ignited my passion for sharing its tenants as widely as possible in my career."
- Samaritans Helpline
Volunteer
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Welcome Our Newest Volunteers
Say hello to our newest Crisis Center volunteers who answer calls and texts from people reaching out to our Helpline. In this May training class, eight Befrienders are accelerated volunteers, and they will join five previously trained volunteers for a total of thirteen accelerated volunteers who are shifting two, three, and up to five times a week this summer! Congrats on completing your training! We are so grateful to have you join the Samaritans family.
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Suicide Prevention in the Older Population
Nurse Nkera Rukubanuka and Samaritans' Rose Cheyette during a workshop exercise (photo credit: Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services)
In May, the Community Education and Outreach (CEO) team headed to
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) to train staff on suicide prevention in the older population. During our workshop, CEO Manager Rose Cheyette focused on how the SCES case managers, social workers, and nurses can best identify elderly patients who may be exhibiting warning signs or risk factors for suicide.
While many risk factors (such as mental illness or previous suicide attempts) are general to all demographics, the senior population may face further challenges related to their age. These challenges include lack of family or social supports, financial changes, the impact of retirement, feeling like a burden to society, and many others.
With people over the age of 85 having the second highest suicide rate, it was important to highlight some protective and resiliency factors for the elderly, such as a sense of purpose and social connectedness, along with self-care ideas like volunteering and reading clubs. The workshop concluded with staff training on how to listen, ask the right questions, and safety plan for someone who may be at risk.
These "gatekeeper" workshops are available for any organization whose staff supports those at a risk for suicide, regardless of the population. We encourage you to schedule a workshop, particularly if you work with the most vulnerable members of your community.
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5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention Reunion Dinner
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of
Samaritans' 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention, we hosted a reunion dinner for many of the people who were integral to the early success of the event. Attendees shared stories from the inception of the 5K, noting obstacles and successes they faced along the way. The first 5K in 1999 raised $32,093. Since that time, runners, walkers, and supporters have raised $3,761,589. With your help, we will raise over $400,000 this year!
We are so grateful for the support and expertise of the attendees. We had a wonderful time taking a look back at Samaritans' history!
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Saturday, September 29, 2018
Artesani Park, Brighton, MA
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Register today
to remember and celebrate our loved ones, reduce the stigma of suicide and mental illness, and save lives through suicide prevention.
All pre-registered walkers, runners, and volunteers will receive a complimentary 20th anniversary event t-shirt.
We run for those we remember. We walk for those we love. We come together to make a difference.
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Bereavement Camp for Young Survivors of Suicide Loss
Samaritans is proud to support Camp Kita, a free-of-charge summer bereavement camp open to children ages 8-17 who have lost someone to suicide. From August 5-11, Camp Kita will bring together children with shared experiences to break down the feelings of isolation that suicide leaves behind on its survivors.
Camp Kita is held in a traditional camp setting on the shores of Belgrade Lake in Maine. During the week, campers are met with a rural summer camp experience with a strong focus on having fun and making connections. This experience is blended with therapeutic sessions led by trained grief professionals to help children cope with the loss of their loved one in a healthy and positive way.
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Thank You to Foundations & Corporations
Joel Goodman, Gavi Azoff, and Shira Bloom of the Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston present Steve Mongeau, Executive Director of Samaritans, with a grant! (photo credit: JTFGB)
We are so grateful for the overwhelming support of our life-saving programs and services by foundations and corporations.
One
of our grantors, the Jewish Teen Foundation of Greater Boston (JTFGB), is a year-long program for high school students to learn about community needs, philanthropy, and leadership through a Jewish lens. For Jewish high school students, the program provides an opportunity to learn the operations of working for a foundation. One of JTFGB's major projects is fundraising and campaigning to allocate grants to organizations of their choice. This year, 71 teens raised $69,312 and awarded grants to nine organizations! We are so proud to have been selected!
In the last month, Samaritans has been awarded grants from the Ludcke Foundation, Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Bennett Family Foundation, Seth Sprague Educational & Charitable Foundation, Wellesley Hills Junior Women's Club, and Middlesex Savings
Charitable Foundation
!
In next month's Snapshot, hear from Samaritans Council member Stew Chapin, Trustee of the Bennett Family Foundation, about his work and connection to Samaritans.
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Career and Internship Opportunities
- Overnight Helpline Coordinator (16-24 hours)
- Special Events Intern
- Crisis Services Intern
- Community Education and Outreach Intern
- Development and Marketing Intern
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Facebook Fundraising
 Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or other significant day coming up soon? Many people are turning to Facebook Fundraising on their special day to support our programs and services.
Creating a Facebook Fundraiser is easy: go to our
Facebook Fundraiser page
and click
Raise Money
. Facebook will walk you through the steps to set you your fundraiser, and the money raised will go directly to Samaritans!
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Calling All Boston Globe Subscribers
Do you subscribe to The Boston Globe? If you do, you can help us earn a free ad through their Globe Readers And Nonprofits Together (GRANT) initiative that allows subscribers to help nonprofits earn free advertising space in The Globe. Until July 31, access the program at
http://manage.bostonglobe.com/grant/
. Choose Samaritans, Inc. in the drop down menu.
Spread the word and help us earn a free ad!
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