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Crisis Center Mission
To ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.

Crisis Center Vision
At the Crisis Center we seek to be that extraordinary place where all people find help, hope and healing to make tomorrow better.

Student Success: A Community Effort     
 
Clara Reynolds, President & CEO
Over the years I've viewed back-to-school time through a variety of lenses.  I've been a student, a parent, and even a school social worker in Hillsborough County.  I've seen kids experience the joys of overcoming academic and life challenges, and the devastating impact trauma, bullying and poverty can have on a young person.

If I've learned one thing, it's this: Being a student isn't easy in today's world and there are so many things that impact a child's success in school and by extension, success as an adult.

Last week I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker to over 800 Student Services staff from Hillsborough County Public Schools.  These are the individuals who provide emotional and educational support to local children.  The first thing I did was thank them for helping our kids.  The second thing I did was remind them that a network of support is available to students, teachers, and parents through a phone call to 2-1-1... READ MORE      
KidsatTheCrisisCenter - MORE NEWS! -

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Now a COA Accredited Organization  
           
In early 2017, Crisis Center of Tampa Bay leadership made the commitment to pursue accreditation for the agency through the Council on Accreditation (COA). Thus began a rigorous and comprehensive 18 month process that involved Crisis Center staff, volunteers, board members, clients and community partners. 
 
The COA accreditation process involves a detailed review and analysis of an organization's administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. These standards ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce. Meeting the COA standards helps an organization perform better by creating a framework for ongoing quality improvement. 
 
The review process culminated with a two-day site visit by COA representatives. At the end of their visit the COA reviewers shared with staff and board members that it was an "extraordinary experience" and referred to the Crisis Center as "exemplary".  While it typically takes a number of weeks to receive the official decision from COA, the Crisis Center was notified 24 hours later of its accreditation!   
 
Aubrey Finds Hope for the Future

Negative thoughts and emotions raced through Aubrey's mind, and she felt like there was no one who would understand what she was going through. Then she remembered seeing a 2-1-1 card in her school counselor's office and she decided to reach out. When a kind, understanding, and non-judgmental voice answered her call, Aubrey finally began to feel hopeful and understood.

Following the initial call, Aubrey was connected with a care coordinator through the Crisis Center's Healthy Transitions program. During the follow up calls, the care coordinator helped Aubrey connect with some of the resources that could provide the support she sought.

Providing 2-1-1 Cards to Local Students 
           
On August 3rd, the Crisis Center distributed 150,000 plastic 2-1-1 information cards to Student Services staff working in Hillsborough County Public Schools. Boxes of cards were distributed to staff at a school district professional planning day at Riverview High School. The cards remind people that help and connections to community resources can be found 24 hours a day through a simple phone call to 2-1-1.

This is the second year in a row the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has worked with Hillsborough County Public Schools to distribute 2-1-1 cards. In 2017, over 60,000 cards were distributed to high school students. This year cards will be distributed to elementary and middle school students in August with additional cards being distributed to high school students in September.    

Many thanks to TECO for underwriting the costs of printing the 2-1-1 cards! 

 
Empowerment for Survivors: Lotus Ladies Yoga

In September, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will offer a new empowerment opportunity for adult, female survivors of sexual violence. Lotus Ladies Yoga will take place at 6pm on Thursdays at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.  This is a safe space run by the Sexual Assault Services staff where survivors of sexual violence can receive the healing properties of yoga at no charge. This empowerment group will include group activities such as breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, group discussion, and a 45-60 minute yoga class.

To learn more, click HERE.
 
Events - Check Out These Events! -

 
 

 
 
SpeakUp5k Youth Music Concert
Saturday, September 8th
Westchase Golf Club
7pm-10pm
 
 
As part of the 2018 SpeakUp5K fundraising effort, Dr. B. Ngoc Pham is organizing a Youth Music Concert. Over 15 student musicians will perform at this event on Saturday, September 8th.   
 
Open to all, tickets are $35 through August 31st and $40 from September 1st-8th.  
 
Purchase tickets HERE. 
 




 
4th Annual Beer & Bow Ties
Friday, September 14th
The Orlo in Tampa
6pm-10pm
 
Beer and Bow Ties was founded out of a passion to help provide resources for suicide prevention and awareness. Tickets are now on sale. General admission is $100 and VIP is $150.

You'll enjoy an evening of local craft beer, local cuisine and specialty cocktails, as well as music by DJ Jonny Torres.

 For more event information or to purchase tickets click HERE.







Suicide Prevention Fundraiser
Tuesday, September 18th
Armature Works in Tampa
6pm-8pm


Enjoy food, cocktails and raffle items at this fundraiser hosted by the Tampa Bay Foundation for Mental Health. A portion of the proceeds support the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Tickets are $10 and can be found HERE.






SpeakUp5k
Saturday, October 13th
Al Lopez Park in Tampa
9:00am

The SpeakUp5k is a signature race by the Cameron K. Gallagher Foundation. The race raises funds and awareness pertaining to teenage depression and anxiety. A portion of proceeds from the race fund the Gateway Services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.

To run/walk as an individual, or to form a team, click HERE




SAVE THE DATE!
GOAT Beer Event
Saturday, October 13th
1pm-6pm
Brew Bus
4101 N. Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603

Leadership Tampa's Class of 2017 is the "Greatest of All Time". To prove that point, they are hosting a special fundraiser to benefit the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Tickets will include a pint of "GOAT Beer" at the event plus a take-home 4-pack.



 
 
Gateway to Healing Tours  
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Thursday, August 23rd
  Tuesday, September 11th
  Thursday, September 27th 
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 Corporate Partners!


Events Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!