IN THIS ISSUE
QUICK LINKS
Crisis Center Mission
To ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.
Showing The Love
By Clara Reynolds, President & CEO


At St. Joseph's Hospital on Valentine's Day
It's February in Tampa and that means many great things are happening.  The Florida State Fair is in full swing, people are training for the Gasparilla Distance Running Classic, and the weather is that perfect mix of warm and cool.  February is also the time when cupid is shooting his arrows as Valentine's Day takes center stage.  For me, Valentine's Day isn't just about flowers, jewelry and chocolate.  It's a day dedicated to showing love, friendship and compassion to those important in our lives or to those who just need help during a personal crisis.

As you may know, my favorite time of the month is when I can go out after traditional business hours to visit our evening 2-1-1 and TransCare staff.  So, it was particularly meaningful when I found myself outside of the St. Joseph's Hospital emergency department a bit after midnight on Valentine's Day... READ MORE     
KidsatTheCrisisCenter - MORE NEWS! -

A System of Support: Ryan's Story

It wasn't the first time Ryan had thought about taking his own life. He was only 21 years old, but had a long history of mental health struggles. He once spent three days in a mental health facility to ensure he wouldn't harm himself.

He recognized he was having dangerous feelings, and knew he needed help. He picked up the phone and dialed 2-1-1. 
  READ MORE 
 
Crisis Center Honored by Florida Attorney General

The Crisis Center was honored at the Florida Cabinet meeting on Jan. 24th
Corresponding with Human Trafficking Awareness month, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay was recently named Community Advocate of the Year by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi during a Florida cabinet meeting. The agency was honored for its work with human trafficking survivors and its outreach and education efforts with youth in the community. Serving as the certified rape crisis center for Hillsborough County, the Crisis Center provides forensic medical exams as well as advocacy and trauma counseling services for rape and human trafficking survivors.

With 24-hour call service available through the 2-1-1 contact center, the dedicated and compassionate staff members of the Crisis Center work to ensure that every individual who has experienced trauma can receive the help they need. The Crisis Center is dedicated to providing help, hope, and healing to all individuals in need and is honored to have received this special recognition.


Local High Schools Create Awareness About Power-Based Violence

The Crisis Center at
Robinson High School
Domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and bullying are all forms of power-based violence, which occurs when someone uses power, control or intimidation to harm another person.

In the month of January, Plant and Robinson high schools in Tampa held Break the Silence events on Friday nights at girls and boys basketball games. These student-organized events were inspired by a staggering statistic: every nine seconds, a woman in the United States is assaulted or beaten.

During the basketball games, fans remained completely silent until the ninth point was scored, at which point fans broke the silence with cheers and applause. Representatives from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and The Spring were on hand to answer student's questions and provide helpful information.

With a $25,000 grant from the Lightning Community Hero program, the Crisis Center will develop support materials to help additional high schools in the community launch Break the Silence events.

 
Self-Care: A Key to Positive Mental Health

Practicing self-care means taking care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. And there are many ways to go about it.

For some, self-care might be something as basic as getting enough sleep or filling up a bottle of water before heading out to work to stay hydrated. Simple, little things that promote physical health can also make a significant positive impact on mental health.

Taking time to care for yourself amidst other responsibilities can be difficult.

"It takes practice," says Bonnie Bush, the manager for Training & Development at the Crisis Center...READ MORE


Events - Take a Tour! -

 

 
Gateway to Healing Tours
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Tuesday, March 7
Thursday, March 23
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 

Events Thank you to these Crisis Center Corporate Partners!

Events Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!