CrisisLink Blog

CrisisLink Announces Julia Stephens as Executive Director

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Nieman) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:05:53 PST

CrisisLink is pleased to announce that Ms. Julia Stephenshas joined the organization as Executive Director effective December 27, 2011. After conducting a thorough search the Boardof Directors is pleased to have such an experienced, knowledgeable andenthusiastic Executive Director leading the staff and developing programs tocontinue CrisisLink's 42-year history of saving lives.

Paul Di Vito, President of the Board of Directors ofCrisisLink stated, “Julia's extensive history of community-based programmingcoupled with her call center experience will enable her to build on the manysuccesses at CrisisLink. She’ll bedeveloping new relationships within the community to identify and implement newendeavors to link those in need of critical services with regional providers. Julia's background in overseeing therapeutic serviceslocally at Northern Virginia Family Service, IONA Senior Services and similarorganizations in Indiana and Kansas have prepared her for CrisisLink'svolunteer-based crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs. We welcome Julia Stephens as our newExecutive Director and wish her well in her new role."

“I'm pleased to be a part of such a critical organization -there's nothing more important than saving lives and supporting communitymembers through times of great stress and/or crisis. I'm especially excited to expand our recentwork to prevent teen bullying and look forward to helping our community in newand innovative ways. CrisisLink has beena part of the Metro area for over 40 years -- I look forward to continuing ourwork well into the future”, said Julia.

Please welcome Julia by posting a comment in the box below orsend a welcome e-mail to her at julia@crisislink.org.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope and healing toempower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts andemotional or situational problems. Ourhotlines are staffed 24/7 and can be accessed by calling 703-527-4077 or 1-800273-TALK (8255).

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Tips for Dealing with the Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Nieman) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:31:48 PST

The holidays are here and for many it brings a heightened level stress and/or depression Remember to stop and take care of yourself this holiday season. It's a gift you both deserve and need. Click here for tips on coping with the holidays.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Winter Crisis Counselor Volunteer Opportunties and Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Nieman) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:23:01 PST

Winter Training Class for Crisis Counselors Scheduled/ Plus A CareRing Opportunity

Here at CrisisLink we take pride in our listening skills and have heard from many interested volunteers that scheduling may be an issue. Therefore, CrisisLink is excited to announce that we will offer our Winter Hotline Crisis Counselor Training in either a weeknight or weekend training format. The dates and times of both class options are listed below for your review.

In addition to Hotline Crisis Counselors training opportunities, we are also looking for people who may be interested in becoming a CareRing Counselor. These volunteers make outgoing calls to our homebound elderly clients and at the same time offer critical support to our Hotline Crisis Counselors in our call center. These shifts are available both weekdays and weekends starting at 7:30 AM and ending at 11 AM. We ask applicants to commit to 150 hours of shifts, which can be completed by taking a weekly shift, or more often if you are interested. This 4-hour training class will take place on Friday, December 2, 2011 from 8 AM to Noon in Arlington, VA.

Please contact our Director of Volunteers and Training if you are interested in more information by contacting michelle@crisislink.org or 703-516-6778.

Space is limited, the need for skilled and caring crisis workers and the good work our counselors do is not.

Option 1: Weeknight Training Sessions

Tuesday, Jan 17th, 7-10 PM

Thursday, Jan 19th, 7-10 PM

One 3-hour Orientation Session to be scheduled between Jan 23rd and Feb 9th

Tuesday, Jan 24th, 7-10 PM

Thursday, Jan 26th, 7-10 PM

Tuesday, Jan 31st, 7-10 PM

Thursday, Feb 2nd, 7-10 PM

Tuesday, Feb 7th, 7-10 PM

Thursday, Feb 9th, 7-10 PM

3-hour On-the-Job Training Session to be scheduled between Feb 10th and Feb 16th

Thursday, Feb 16th, 7-10 PM

Second 3-hour On-the-Job Training Session to be scheduled between Feb 17th and Feb 23rd

Tuesday, Feb 21st, 7-10 PM

Thursday, Feb 23rd 7-10 PM

Shift Assignments begin the week of February 27th.

Potential Make-up Dates: Tuesday 2/28 7-10 PM, 3/1 7-10 PM (In case of snow or other inclement weather)

ASIST Training: April 21-22 9AM-5 PM (possible weekday ASIST training to be offered, TBD)

Option 2: Weekend Training Sessions

Saturday, Jan 21st, 9-4 PM

One 3-hour Orientation Session to be scheduled between Jan 23rd and Feb 5th

Saturday, Jan 28th, 9-4 PM

Saturday, Feb 4th, 9-4 PM

Sunday, Feb 5th, 9-4 PM

3-hour On-the-Job Training Session to be scheduled between Feb 6th and Feb 12th

Sunday, Feb 12th, 9-Noon

Second 3-hour On-the-Job Training Session to be scheduled between Feb 12th and Feb 24th

Saturday, Feb 25th, 9-4 PM

Shift Assignments begin the week of February 27th.

Potential Make-up Date: Saturday, March 3rd, 9-4 PM (In case of snow or other inclement weather)

ASIST Training: April 21-22, 9AM-5 PM (possible weekday ASIST training to be offered, TBD)

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

CrisisLink to Join Local Non-Profits on November 9 for Give to the Max Day

noreply@blogger.com (Charlene Nieman) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 19:29:03 PST

What is Give to the Max Day? Give to the Max Day: Greater Washington is a day to come together to raise awareness and funds for area nonprofits. It's a 24 hour competition beginning at midnight (12:00 AM) on November 9 and ending at midnight (12:00 AM) on November 10. By engaging thousands of citizens to support their favorite charities in one day, Give to the Max Day is trying to break the national record for the best online giving metropolitan region event, showcasing the Greater Washington region's strong community. CrisisLink is one of many local non-profits participating. It's a great way for us to let the community know about CrisisLink and to also raise funds.

How to Get Involved and Support CrisisLink? Visit our Give to the Max website and contribute. By contributing CrisisLink will be eligible for additional prizes. http://give2max.razoo.com/Crisislink

Thank you!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

CrisisLink Fall Forum to be held November 10, 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:48:30 PDT

Join CrisisLink for an evening of education and inspiration as United In Hope we come together on November 10, 2011. Be apart of an evening where we seek to bring light into dark and hope to those in crisis. CrisisLink is here 24/7, we hope to see you on November 10. There is limited availabity, so reserve your seat today!

Special Guest Speakers

Dr. Colanda Cato

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health

&

Lorijane Graham

Author of The Hummingbird Prophecy & Suicide Prevention Advocate

Event Logistics:
The Tower Club Tysons Corner
Reception 6:30 p.m.
Dinner and Program 7:30 p.m.

Individual ticket- $165
Table of ten- $1,500
RSVP by November 4, 2011

703-516-6768
or
development@crisislink.org

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

Upcoming Event in Honor of National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10)

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:43:21 PDT

In Honor of National Suicide Prevention Week (September 4-10, 2011)

Participate in CrisisLink’s National Suicide Prevention Week Event:
"Bullying Across the Ages: A Focus on Youth and the Elderly"

Two of the most vulnerable groups to suicide are our youth and the elderly. Come join the discussion on two very important topics dealing with real issues these groups face: elder financial mismanagement/abuse and bullying among our youth.

When: Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Time: 7-9 pm
Cost: Free
Location: NRECA Conference Center
4301 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VirginiaSpace is limited so secure your spot and register today!Click Here to Register or visit http://crisislink.eventbrite.com
or call
703-516-6768

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

A Glimpse Into a Night at Crisislink

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 13:19:46 PDT

Suicide related calls are up 90% at CrisisLink between the hours of midnight and 8:00 am. The Washington Post published an article featuring CrisisLink during this time when most of us are sleep. Click here to read the article and watch video of a CrisisLink counselor in action.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

Raffle Winners Announced - 40+ Prizes Awarded

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 07:10:00 PDT

Congratulations to the 40+ winners of CrisisLink's Spring 2011 raffle! We raffled off more than 40 great prizes donated by area businesses and donors to raise money for crisis and suicide prevention services for the National Capital Region.

View complete list of raffle prizes

Find out if you're a lucky winner

To claim your raffle prize, please contact Marshall Ellis at 703-516-6768 or by e-mail.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Link Up & Live Gala and Auction to Support CrisisLink

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:01:00 PDT

7th Annual Spring Gala and Auction “Bidding Beneath the Blossoms” to Take Place April 7 at the Carnegie Institution for Science

Washington, DC (March 15) – CrisisLink, a national leader in crisis and suicide prevention based in Arlington, VA, will hold its annual LinkUp & Live Gala and Silent Auction Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Carnegie Institution for Science in Washington, DC. The evening consists of a VIP reception, silent auction, keynote speech by renowned psychiatrist Dr. John Sharp and an awards presentation and live auction hosted by ABC7/WJLA-TV’s Maureen Bunyan.

“LinkUp & Live is essential to the growth and success of CrisisLink as we strive to provide immediate help and support to individuals to deal with life’s challenges, not just in the DC-area, but nationwide,” said CrisisLink Executive Director Linda Eatmon-Jones. “We are ahead of the curve in implementing new services such as a Spanish language crisis hotline, a pilot crisis text messaging program and an anti-bullying task force, and the funding to keep these services available is crucial.”

LinkUp & Live, now in its seventh year, accounts for nearly one fifth of the organization’s fundraising by utilizing top-tiered silent auction items and gala sponsors. This year’s event will feature special keynote message Dr. John Sharp, whose expertise in psychiatry and neuropsychiatry is often utilized on national news programs such as CNN, MSNBC, the Today Show and E! News. Sharp recently authored “The Emotional Calendar,” which provides counsel in recognizing and successfully managing traditional responses to emotional triggers through the season of the year.

“I am honored and very much looking forward to speaking at this year’s LinkUp & Live gala,” said Dr. Sharp. “I have dedicated my life to treating emotional suffering that often makes people need a hotline - lifeline such as CrisisLink’s. It is crucial that an organization such as CrisisLink thrives and I am happy to do my part with the endeavor.”

In addition to Dr. Sharp’s address, CrisisLink will present Alison Malmon, Founder & Executive Director of Active Minds, with a Leadership Award for her dedication to changing the perceptions about mental health on college campuses, which have had a profound impact in promoting open and enlightened dialogues around mental health issues throughout the country. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Active Minds is the only national organization that utilizes students as a driving force to bring these issues to the forefront and remove the stigma that surrounds mental health issues.

“I am honored to receive CrisisLink’s Leadership Award at this year’s LinkUp & Live event,” said Malmon. “The depth of CrisisLink’s service to the DC area is unparalleled, providing support to those in our community most in need of a compassionate ear and open heart. There is little more thrilling than to be recognized by such a stellar leader in the field.”

For additional LinkUp & Live information go to http://www.LinkUpandLive.org

To purchase tickets to LinkUp & Live go to: https://crisislink.ejoinme.org/?tabid=252449

About CrisisLink:

CrisisLink, which began as a volunteer suicide prevention call center in 1969, transformed into a 24-hour hotline servicing the Washington metropolitan area. By 1999, CrisisLink had expanded its services to include comprehensive crisis prevention, intervention and response programs and today consistently ranks among the top 5 highest volume crisis centers in the country for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For more information go to www.crisislink.org

A two-time Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington charity, CrisisLink is a national leader in suicide prevention and information & referrals. For more than 40 years, CrisisLink has provided crisis intervention, emergency mental health support, and information and referrals to residents in crisis or contemplating suicide in the Metropolitan Washington region.

Contact:

Marshall Ellis, CrisisLink, 703-516-6768
Kelly Swanson/Lisa Milner, Swanson Communications, 202-783-5500

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

CareRing Callers Connect with Homebound Adults

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:24:08 PDT

It's Saturday morning and Doug Damon is at the CrisisLink call center making outbound calls to local seniors. Damon, 55, a major account manager with Verizon Wireless, volunteers three hours a week with the CareRing program.

Click here to read full article on pg. 3

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

Walk to Support CrisisLink - Sat., May 14

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:24:08 PDT

Join CrisisLink volunteers, staff, and supporters at the 5th annual Got Hope Walkathon at Thomas Edison High School on Saturday, May 14 from 10a-2p! There will be plenty of games, food, music, and entertainment.

The Got Hope Walkathon, sponsored by the Student Government Association at Thomas Edison High School, was created in 2007 in response to tragedies within the Edison High School community. The event raises awareness and funds to support suicide and cancer prevention. Proceeds from the walk benefit CrisisLink and the American Cancer Society.

To register, please visit http://www.gothopewalkathon.com/. Cost is $15 and you'll receive a free t-shirt!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

CrisisLink at Westfield High School

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:24:08 PDT

On Monday, December 13, CrisisLink Call Center Manager Laura Renenger participated in a suicide prevention panel discussion at Westfield High School. The panel was part of an effort to educate parents of teens on the warning signs of suicide and depression and the resources available when help is needed.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

Should I Be Concerned? Suicide/Depression Awareness - Learn the Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 14:57:02 PST

The Westfield High School Department of Student Services will host a parent program on Monday, December 13th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Learn the facts that will help you understand the warning signs of suicide and depression. Familiarize yourself with the school and community resources available. A panel of professionals will present information and answer questions about this important topic. We hope to see you at the Westfield High School auditorium on Monday, December 13th at 7:00 for this informative program.

View the presentation prepared by Westfield High School

Can't view presentation? Click here to view.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

David Philipps "Lethal Warriors: When the New Band of Brothers Came Home"

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:10:42 PST

David Philipps will discuss his new book, “Lethal Warriors: When the New Band of Brothers Came Home,” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13, at the National Press Club (Bloomberg Room). [link to NPC site]

The army unit from Fort Carson, Colo., once known as the “Band of Brothers” was later renamed “Lethal Warriors.” Deployed to some of the worst regions in Iraq for multiple tours of duty, many of these soldiers suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. Some, undiagnosed or untreated since returning from war, have become involved in a series of violent crimes. Philipps investigates the unit from its action overseas and the broader issue of PTSD in returning veterans.

The event is free for National Press Club members, $5 for non-members. Those presenting military ID will be admitted free. The book will be available for sale, and Philipps will sign copies.

Reservations are required at opus@press.org or 202-662-7523.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

CrisisLink Seeks Proposals for New Telephony System Made Possible by Philip L. Graham Fund

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 07:30:58 PST

A generous grant from the Philip L. Graham Fund has enabled CrisisLink to upgrade its telephony infrastructure to support current operational needs, improve staff productivity and crisis call management, and allow for future growth in volume and services provided. An RFP for the new system was prepared following a comprehensive needs assessment and qualified vendors are encouraged to submit proposals by noon on December 16, 2010. The RFP is available online at www.netprocompany.com/crisislink/.

“CrisisLink has grown significantly since acquiring its existing telephone system second-hand in 2004 and now handles more than three times as many calls on 11 inbound and three outbound hotlines,” says CrisisLink Executive Director Linda Eatmon-Jones. “Our current system is no longer able to consistently handle the volume or routing complexities of our hotline operations in 2010. We are so grateful to the Philip L. Graham Fund for recognizing the vital role CrisisLink plays in the community and for generously funding the purchase of a new telephony system to make sure we can continue providing uninterrupted access to our services.”

The scope of the telephony enhancement project is to replace the current voice telephone/ACD system, voice station devices, data switches, firewall, and router at CrisisLink utilizing VoIP technology throughout the systems. System includes server based call processor with call group routing and reporting (UCD/ACD), voice gateway, unified messaging, call recording, POE enterprise level data switch, router/firewall, and UPS. The project includes but is not limited to, providing all labor, equipment, materials, scaffolding, hoisting and incidentals to complete all work in accordance with the specifications, drawings, schedules and applicable codes detailed in the RFP. A review team will evaluate the proposals received and make the final selection by December 31, 2010. Please visit www.netprocompany.com/crisislink/ to view the RFP.

About the Philip L. Graham Fund
Named for the late publisher of The Washington Post and president of The Washington Post Company, the Philip L. Graham Fund devotes its resources to the betterment of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and the field of journalism. The Fund awards several million dollars in grants annually to groups providing educational, social, community enrichment, and arts programs and services to communities in and around Washington, D.C. The Fund also supports efforts to foster improvements nationally in the field of journalism. www.plgrahamfund.org

About CrisisLink
CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. www.crisislink.org

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Volunteer Spotlight: Fall 2010 Training Class

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 10:59:24 PST

Congratulations to our Fall 2010 Hotline Crisis Counselor graduates!

18 Crisis Counselors and 2 staff members successfully completed our rigorous 60-hour training class and are now answering calls on our crisis hotline.

Please welcome your fellow shift partners and lend them a helping hand around the call center!

First row (L-R): Mariane Garbliauskas, Sarah Hill, Mary Ryan, Jessica Adams, Phoebe Nandwa, Amanda Hendricks, Ashley Jennings, Monica Gonzalo, Emily Dickert.

Back Row (L-R): Kim Harris, Ryan Smith, Robel Yemiru, Lesley Weir, Jessica Tyler, Jessica Freeman, Dawn Johnson, Rudy Florjancic, Ami Getu, Sadiq Patel

To read other volunteer spotlights, please click here

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor, Kayla Fang, in the News

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 11:00:01 PST

For Kayla Fang, being a volunteer with CrisisLink has been a "life-changing" experience. Every week for a few hours, Fang works with the nonprofit by answering phone calls to the hotline. Answering those critical calls for help is one of the services provided by the Arlington-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to save lives and prevent tragedies by providing immediate assistance to individuals facing serious life crises, trauma and suicide.

Click here to read the full article.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

CrisisLink Host's Inaugural Fall Forum on Suicide Prevention

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 09:08:04 PDT

CrisisLink convened its inaugural fall forum last night at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., to highlight the need for increased attention and support for the mental health needs of young people—including the brave young men and women serving in the armed forces—and how we can use technology to address these needs to reduce the risk of suicide.

Special guest speakers included:

Major General Mark Graham, U.S. Army, & Mrs. Carol Graham
Richard McKeon, Ph.D., MPH, Acting Chief, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Major General Mark Graham

With photos of his two sons--Kevin and Jeff--behind him General Graham spoke of the tremendous impact of their loss--Kevin to suicide in 2003; Jeff to an IED in Iraq in 2004--on his family, and of the personal journey he and his wife Carol have undertaken in the years since. He spoke of their tireless advocacy to increase awareness of suicide prevention and depression and the important roles crisis centers like CrisisLink play in helping people in crisis and preventing suicide.

Richard McKeon, Ph.D., MPH

Dr. McKeon discussed how CrisisLink and crisis centers across the country are using new technologies such as text messages, social networks, and web chats to increase access to crisis counselors and enhance the nation's suicide prevention network.

To learn more about the forum and to find out how you can get involved in the conversation, please call 703-516-6768 or send us a message.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

CrisisLink Chosen for 2010-11 Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 18:10:55 PST

The Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington is proud to announce that CrisisLink has been selected to be featured in the 2010-11 Catalogue. [view listing] A panel of 100 expert reviewers from large and small foundations, corporate giving programs, giving circles, and peer nonprofits, evaluated nearly 250 applications; CrisisLink is one of 70 outstanding nonprofits to be featured this year.

CrisisLink engages and empowers the community to help families, friends, and neighbors: people contemplating suicide, confronting traumatic loss, or simply needing someone with whom to talk. Handling more than 53,000 calls per year, CrisisLink also provides ongoing care for individuals and special populations at high risk for suicide, and it provides education and training to help prevent crises before they occur. Its 24/7 services fill critical gaps in the region’s mental health care system, particularly after hours and on weekends when other providers are unavailable. CrisisLink also helps people navigate an increasingly complex social services system by steering them to the right door the first time around. Even before the economic downturn, suicide was a serious public health problem, but studies suggest that unemployment and economic strain (loss of a home, personal financial crisis) are significant risk factors. It’s no wonder that the number of calls has dramatically increased and that this critical service is more essential than ever. "I'm listening" has a powerful, healing effect. Won't you join the conversation?

Now in its eighth year, the Catalogue has become a trusted resource, connecting smaller, community-based organizations with individual and foundation donors. According to Barbara Harman, President and Editor of the Catalogue for Philanthropy: Greater Washington, "We know that many nonprofits have had a difficult year. For many, contributions are flat or down, and for some the decrease or loss of foundation or government funding has created significant budgetary challenges. Individual donors can make a real difference this year, keeping great organizations afloat during these tough times.” The Catalogue enables smaller non-profits to tell their stories to individuals who would otherwise never hear them, and to encourage those individuals to give. It also provides charities with a stamp of approval that tells donors they can invest with confidence because the Catalogue vets its family of nonprofits with great care.

25,000 individuals and hundreds of family foundations will receive copies of the Catalogue in November, and the Catalogue website (cfp-dc.org), will feature all 350 members of the Catalogue family. The site includes a gift registry and gift cards, a section especially for kids, and even a “donate now/decide later” fund that lets donors give in December and make their choices in January. Live links on nonprofit profile pages connect donors with volunteer opportunities, events, news, videos, and more. The Catalogue website is the broadest and deepest regional philanthropy site of its kind anywhere in the country.

Since its inception in 2003, the Catalogue has helped raise over $12.5 million for deserving, local, nonprofit organizations. "Charities were selected for excellence, cost-effectiveness, and impact" Harman said. “These are certainly among the best community-based nonprofits in the Greater Washington region.”

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Motivated To Help: New call center director at CrisisLink.

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:42:09 PST

CrisisLink's new Crisis Call Center Director Awilda Ortiz featured in Arlington Connection newspaper. Read full article here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

CrisisLink Shows Off New Space to Community

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:45:53 PDT

We hosted an open house on Wed., Sept. 8 to show off our new office location. The new space, generously donated by Virginia Hospital Center and renovated by Jack Bays, Inc. is more than double the size of our previous location--allowing room to continue growing and strengthening the services we provide. The biggest immediate impact of the move is the doubling of hotline workstations, which will enable us to better handle the call volume growth we've seen in recent years, and expect to see for the next few years.

View pictures from the Open House.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Recap of CrisisLink at Nationals Game - Sat., Sept. 11, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 06:40:03 PDT

CrisisLink was the featured charity of the Washington Nationals on Sat., Sept. 11, 2010. We handed out 4,000 resource cards to fans with tips for coping after a major emergency or disaster situation and provided information on CrisisLink's crisis and suicide prevention, intervention, and response services. View pictures here.

Watch the 30 sec. video that was played during the game.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org.

Catch a Game & Support CrisisLink!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 09:05:21 PDT

On September 11, 2010, the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, CrisisLink will reach out to thousands at the Washington Nationals game to raise awareness of key resources with which to prepare and plan for major disasters, as well as support and survival information.

We want YOU to join us at the game: Purchase tickets through the Nats website and use the code CLNATS to receive a discount on your tickets.

Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to help distribute CrisisLink resources to Nationals fans on Saturday, September 11. We will have our very own kiosk inside the stadium, allowing us to distribute information to thousands of fans!! Bring friends to help you and catch the game afterward!

If you are interested in helping us on Saturday, Sept. 11, please contact Elizabeth Yen by email or by phone at 703-527-6016.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

CrisisLink Open House

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:33:03 PDT

Please join us for an open house at our new location. And what better time than during National Suicide Prevention Week! Thanks to the support and generosity of the community, we have a beautiful new space to call home.

Visit with donors, members of the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers while touring our new offices and call center. Light food and refreshments will be provided.

NOTE: Open house hours are from 12-2pm and 6-8pm. We hope to see you then!

Details:
What: CrisisLink Open House
When: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 12-2pm, 6-8pm
Where: 601 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington 20004
RSVP: information@crisislink.org, 703-527-6603

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.

National Suicide Prevention Week Events!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 13:38:28 PDT

We hope you'll join us for one or more of our exciting events during National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 5-12)!

Please click here to read about each of our events.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink brings immediate help, hope, and healing to empower individuals facing serious life challenges, suicidal thoughts, emotional or situational problems. http://www.crisislink.org/.