February 2019
Responding to the Partial Government Shutdown
Clara Reynolds, President & CEO

As you all know, the mission of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is to ensure that “no one has to face a crisis alone.” And last year, over 160,000 people in our community reached out to us for help, hope and healing during their time of crisis. So, it should come as no surprise that during the 35 day partial government shutdown that ended on January 25, 2019, the Crisis Center was called upon by the community to help our neighbors who are federal employees.  What you may not know is that the Crisis Center was feeling the impact of the government shutdown too as we receive $163,000.00 per month in federal funding!

So how were we able to respond to our community during our own potential crisis you ask?? Well, as part of our strategic plan, we have identified four strategic pillars to measure our success. One of those pillars is “Financial Sustainability.” 

Read more from Clara by clicking below   
Crisis Center Helps Federal Employees
Crisis Center Staff at TIA During the Shutdown

Over 700 federal employees work at Tampa International Airport. During the 35 day government shutdown, the airport hosted multiple organizations including the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, United Way, Feeding Tampa Bay, TECO, and Hillsborough County at a temporary food bank/resource center located on the airport property.

The Crisis Center connected the employees to community resources to assist them through their crisis, and also provided emotional support. In addition, Federal employees throughout the community also called 2-1-1 during the shutdown.
Finding Hope During the Government Shutdown
It wasn’t easy for Kathy to ask for help, but she knew she needed to connect to support to get through the government shutdown. She stopped by the temporary food pantry at TIA and soon found herself at a table talking with a Care Coordinator from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

Kathy explained she was struggling because she had already been living paycheck to paycheck working for the TSA. She knew people at the airport and in the community were depending on her, but she had to commute an hour each way to get to work. In recent days she had considered calling out of work because she didn’t have the gas money to travel the distance.

Read more about Kathy by clicking below
Save the Date for Strokes for Hope on April 6th!
Be certain to "Save the Date" for Saturday, April 6th at 8am. On that morning, Board Member, Jamie Klingman; CEO, Clara Reynolds; and the Strokes for Hope swim team will swim 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) around Davis Islands to raise awareness and funds for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay! Jamie and Clara will also be joined by relay swimmers at local pools who will do a 10K Strokes for Hope relay swim.

Event Details
Saturday, April 6th
Start/Finish Point: TBA (Downtown Tampa)
Start Time: 8:00am
Projected Swim Time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Click HERE to show your support for Jamie and Clara with a Strokes for Hope donation!
Local Students Get Loud ! about Sexual & Domestic Violence
Local high school students are raising awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence through Get Loud! events that coincide with a home basketball game. The events are organized by students with support from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, The Spring, and the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation.

Hillsborough High, Plant High, Robinson High, and Tampa Prep are all holding Get Loud! events this season. As a reminder that every 9 seconds a woman is abused, fans at the game remain completely silent until the 9th point is scored. They then “Get Loud” to break the silence about sexual and domestic violence.

Students who may be interested in holding a Get Loud! event at their school can contact Katie Rockman at krockman@crisiscenter.com.
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.

Tuesday, March 5th
Thursday, March 28th
12pm-1pm
  
To learn more and register,
Thank you Corporate Partners!
Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!