It's Time to Go Back to School - YAY and UGH!!!
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Clara Reynolds, President & CEO
I love the Staples Office Supply commercial that features a joyful parent, merrily pushing a shopping cart while singing “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” while her children look like Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh books. That commercial reminds me that back to school time can mean different things depending on your perspective – from joy to dread. As a parent to a rising Hillsborough High School Junior, I’m in both camps this year: thrilled Corey is going back while at the same time, sad that the school stressors will begin again. I’m probably not alone with these mixed feelings. Kids and parents are excited about the possibilities a new year brings, while nervous about things like bullying and high-stakes testing.
Read more from Clara by clicking below.
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When James came to the Crisis Center, he had a laundry list of traumas we were helping him to tackle. His mother had struggled with a substance use problem, and both James and his sister witnessed drug abuse, domestic violence, and neglect over the years in their home. His mother eventually succumbed to her drug use and James and his sister were separated and put into group homes.
Understandably so, James was having a difficult time coping with the trauma he had experienced. At just 10 years old, he was struggling with impulse control, inattention, depression, bouts of crying, and suicidal ideation. While he was initially hesitant to open up to his counselor, they quickly grew a close bond. He admitted that talking about his mother’s death was overwhelming for him.
Read more about James' story by clicking below.
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Extending Care Coordination Services to Youth
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As an extra layer of support for people in the community seeking help, hope and healing from the Crisis Center, we offer Care Coordination. Clients who seek assistance from the Crisis Center are struggling with traumas, including sexual or physical abuse/assault, domestic violence, and battery. Our Care Coordinators assist these clients by providing emotional support, advocacy, and service linkages ranging from mental health counseling to financial resources.
Additional funding from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners has allowed us to extend these services to include youth. These clients come to us when they call the Gateway Contact Center Suicide Prevention Line, or when a school or social worker makes a referral. The Care Coordinator will then have multiple conversations with the teen to understand their struggles, provide immediate emotional support, and connect them to the help they need.
Read more about youth care coordination by clicking below.
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Bow Ties for Suicide Prevention
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Kim Randall with Brent, Lisa and David Kraus
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Brent Kraus and Kim Randall had been friends for years before both separately experienced the loss of loved ones due to suicide. While still grieving these deaths, they decided something in our community had to be done to raise awareness of suicide prevention resources. From their combined efforts, Beer & Bow Ties was created.
Brent, Kim, and their committee of volunteers are now planning the 5
th annual Beer & Bow Ties event to be held on Friday, September 13
th at Armature Works. The event will be full of local craft beers and favorites such as Osteria, Snobachi Handcrafted Ice Cream, and Bulla Gastrobar serving up tasty bites. While guests are dressed in their sharpest bow ties and party attire anticipating a fun night, every attendee knows their attendance is helping to further suicide prevention efforts in the Tampa Bay community.
Each year the event grows in attendance and contributions. So far, the Beer & Bow Ties events have donated over $95,000 to support suicide prevention services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
To experience the fun of this year’s event, be sure to purchase a ticket by clicking below.
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2-1-1 Cards for Hillsborough County Public School Students
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This week, thousands of 2-1-1 cards were distributed to Hillsborough County Public School staff. These cards will be given to elementary, middle, and high school students once classes begin next week. Thank you to the school district for the opportunity, and to TECO for sponsoring the printing of the cards!
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Eat at Boca Tampa and Support the Crisis Center!
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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.
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4th Annual Speak Up 5k - Run, Walk or Stroll
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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.
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Take a Tour of the Crisis Center!
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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.
Tuesday, September 17th
Thursday, October 3rd
12pm-1pm
To learn more and register,
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Thank you Corporate Partners!
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Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!
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