Bullying: Starting the Conversation

October is really a special month for me. The weather begins its slow change from incredibly hot and humid to less incredibly hot and humid, high school and college sports are in full swing, and Halloween marks the start of the holiday season in my house. We all also know it is Breast Cancer Awareness month and pink can be found from the classroom to the basketball court to bagels and pastries. What you may not be as familiar with is that October is National Bullying Prevention Month. This campaign is designed to unite communities around the world to educate and raise awareness about bullying prevention. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides bullying education through our Corbett Trauma Center's Care Coordination and our Gateway Services 2-1-1, so I thought it was a great opportunity to dedicate this month's newsletter to bullying prevention awareness.

Did you know 1 out of every 5 students report being bullied? That sobering statistic is from the PACER Center ( www.pacer.org), which was created in 2006 to bring awareness to the harmful effects of bullying. Historically, bullying had been viewed as "a childhood rite of passage" that "made kids tougher." The reality has always been that bullying can leave devastating and often long-term effects, such as a loss of self-esteem, increased anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide for those involved.... READ MORE

- MORE NEWS! -

Connecting to a Lifeline of Support: Ryan's Story

Ryan felt alone, ashamed and betrayed, but most of all he felt like he just didn't want to live anymore. He wanted to talk to someone who could help him make sense of everything.

He called the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay one evening - dialed 1-800-273-TALK - looking for someone who would listen. He told the intervention specialist in the Gateway Contact Center he was 17 years old and having thoughts of suicide.

The specialist took her time talking with Ryan that night. He shared with her that he had been sexually assaulted by a "friend" a couple of years earlier, that he was being physically and verbally bullied in school, and that he had a history of self-harm in which he cut himself... READ MORE

Tampa Bay "Speaks Up" About Teen Mental Health


	The Crisis Center's SpeakUp5K Team

Runners at the SpeakUp5K enjoyed a fun course that included a rave zone, cheerleaders - even a bagpipe band.

In its second year, the event at Al Lopez Park in Tampa raised awareness and funds for teens struggling with depression and anxiety. Plans for the SpeakUp5K were first developed by Cameron Gallagher, who passed away at 16 in 2014. The CKG Foundation and the Gallagher family established the event as a tribute to Cameron.

More than 500 people participated, helping to fulfill Cameron's vision.

Thank you to the CKG Foundation and everyone who made the 2017 SpeakUp5K a success!

Honoring Sandy at Red Door No. 5


Sandy and Brendan McLaughlin

For nearly seven years, Sandy McLaughlin has led the Crisis Center's development and marketing efforts. Sandy has introduced many people in our community to the Crisis Center's mission and been instrumental in raising much-needed funds for the organization.

Sandy recently announced she will retire from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at the end of this year. On October 4, more than one hundred friends of the Crisis Center gathered at Red Door No. 5 in Tampa to pay tribute through a special "Happy Retirement" fundraiser for the Crisis Center.

Thank you to everyone who came to honor Sandy and show their support for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Making an Impact in Ybor with Green Dot


	Green Dot Bystander Training

Everyone has a positive and vital role to play in making Ybor City an even greater place to live, work, and play.

People participating in the Green Dot program are helping to prevent violence.

Green Dot provides education about tools everyone can use to reduce domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, child abuse and stalking. The tools are designed for use in any community. Green Dots are effective without putting people in harm's way.

You can learn more about Green Dot by visiting Facebook or the Green Dot Ybor webpage.

- Check Out These Events! -

World Suicide Prevention Day Event*

Saturday, October 14

2pm-4:30pm

James A. Haley VA - SCI Dining Room

13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, 33612

*This event was rescheduled from the original date due to Hurricane Irma

Ready. Aim. Donate

Sporting Clay Tournament & BBQ Lunch to Benefit the Crisis Center

Friday, October 27
11:30am- 4pm
Tampa Bay Sporting Clays & Archery
10514 Ehren Cutoff
Land O' Lakes, Florida 34639

Event is organized by "Community Pop." To register as individual or 4-person team, contact Josie Alvarez at 813-385-8772 or [email protected]

Gateway to Healing Tours
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay

Thursday, October 26

Thursday, November 9
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

Thank you Corporate Partners!

Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!