September 2019

Reaching for a Lifeline

Late one night, Roy received a call on the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from Catherine. At just 12 years old, Catherine was feeling suicidal and felt like the world would be better off without her. In asking questions about what had led her to this point, Roy learned that Catherine had experienced a very traumatic weekend.

 

On Friday night, Catherine had been excited to be spending the night at her best friend’s house. While the friend’s parents were out running errands, Catherine and her friend decided to go swimming. After a couple hours in the pool, Catherine headed inside to shower. It was while she was in the bathroom that her friend’s 19-year-old brother came in, trapping her in the room before raping and assaulting her. The brother threatened to hurt her and his sister if Catherine told anyone about what had happened.

Read more about Catherine's story by clicking below.

First Responders Suicide Prevention Campaign Launched

Inspired to find a solution to the growing number of first responder suicides reported in the news, ChappellRoberts approached the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay with the idea of working pro-bono to develop an awareness campaign that could illustrate the impact of trauma on first responders and provide these dedicated men and women with a literal lifeline of support. The campaign, called "First to Respond. Last to Ask for Help." was launched on Tuesday, September 10th, which is also World Suicide Prevention Day.

The Hillsborough County Sherriff's Office, Tampa Police, and Tampa Fire participated in the making of the campaign materials, which will be distributed to first responder agencies throughout the county. The campaign would not have been possible without ChappellRoberts recognizing the need within the community and developing the advertising materials to ensure that every first responder is aware of these helpful resources.

The campaign was funded by Florida Blue, the Tampa Bay Foundation for Mental Health, and the Smout Foundation. The "First to Respond. Last to Ask for Help." campaign will run later this month.

Veteran Care Coordination Now Statewide

In 2014, the Crisis Center launched the Florida Veterans Support Line (1-844-MyFLVet) after recognizing a gap in support for the veterans in our community. The pilot program operated on a peer-to-peer model, meaning veterans could connect with other veterans while receiving necessary emotional assistance and community resources.

In 2018, through partnerships with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Department of Children and Families, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we were able to expand the veteran specific line to cover the entire state of Florida.

Today, the Crisis Center’s veteran staff are working with veteran care coordinators based at 2-1-1 systems around the state. When a veteran calls the support line for assistance but requires additional help to handle their crisis, they can receive follow-up calls from a local veteran care coordinator to work with them as they navigate the available resources. After operating this model at the Crisis Center for several years, we were able to train the staff state-wide on the best practices for this service. Since Florida has the third largest population of veterans in the country, there is no shortage of vets in need of support. We anticipate in the coming years that we will continue to expand these services to ensure that no veteran in our state has to go through their crisis alone.

Ladies Lotus Yoga for Trauma Survivors

At the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, we know that overcoming trauma looks different for everyone. While we’ve offered individualized trauma counseling at locations throughout Tampa for years, and host support groups for survivors of sexual assault, this past year we added another healing option: Lotus Ladies Yoga.

This free yoga session is an empowerment group for women 18 years and older who are survivors of some form of trauma. Led by one of the Crisis Center’s licensed mental health counselors, attendees have a chance to participate in breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, group discussion, and posture movements.

The classes include gentle yoga, a class held at a slower and more relaxed pace, and beginners flow, a basic class for all levels of practice. If you're a trauma survivor interested in attending, click the link below to get more information and sign up.

Eat at Boca Tampa and Support the Crisis Center!

Now through the end of September, if you eat at Boca Tampa and mention the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, they will donate 10% of the sale to us! Be sure to enjoy a delicious meal while supporting the community.

4th Annual Speak Up 5k - Run, Walk or Stroll

Join us on Saturday, October 19th for the 4th annual Speak Up 5k! This 5k fun run/walk/stroll was created by the CKG Foundation to raise awareness and understanding of teenage depression and anxiety. A portion of the race proceeds are donated to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to support our Gateway Contact Center. Sign up for the race HERE.

Take a Tour of the Crisis Center!

Gateway to Healing Tours 

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.

Thursday, October 3rd

Tuesday, October 22nd

12pm-1pm

  

To learn more and register,

Thank you Corporate Partners!

Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!