Samaritans' Snapshot: Samaritans 5k right around the corner

In This Issue:

Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention is October 1st

Watch for our signs this month on the MBTA about the Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention. Join or start a team, or register as an individual to take part in this uplifting community event.

Learn more or register here

Summer Intern Program

Samaritans would like to give a big shot out to our summer interns, Estefani, Jocelyn, Yevgeniya, Serna, Caila, Samira and Erin.

These students have committed 3-4 shifts per week over the summer months to help ensure that our phone lines and on-line emotional support platform is sufficiently covered to provide the much needed support of all of our callers. By the end of the summer, some students will have provided up to 200 hours - a remarkable commitment to serving those in need.

In addition to community service, the intern program gives students the experience of working in a non-profit organization and the opportunity to explore a possible career path in social work or psychology. Working at Samaritans gives students an excellent opportunity to gain an understanding of suicidal feelings and behavior. They also develop skills in providing non-judgmental, compassionate and empathetic support to individuals facing crises. In addition they develop strong active listening skills and embrace the value of befriending individuals in their time of need .

On behalf of everyone here at Samaritans, thank you!

Interested students, please contact Breana Marchwinski

Support for individuals supporting a family member, friend or significant other who has attempted suicide or has suicidal ideation

This group aims to provide a space for individuals to talk openly with others who are dealing with the complicated emotions following a loved one's suicide attempt or disclosure of suicidal ideation. Our hope is to provide individuals supporting a suicide attempt survivor or a loved one struggling with suicidality an opportunity to join a community of peers who can understand; it is a space to share their personal experiences and to learn healthy coping skills while supporting their loved ones in their daily lives.

This is a closed group. Those interested in participating must complete an intake by phone with one of the group facilitators and commit to attending all six sessions. There is no fee for participation.

WHEN
Every Monday from 7-8:30pm

July 11, 2016 - August 15, 2016

*Please note the change of meeting dates

WHERE
Brigham House

20 Hartford Street

Newton Highlands MA

*Conveniently located near Routes 9 and 128, and Newton Highlands T station on the Riverside Green Line

Contact Debbie DiMasi, Director of Grief Support Services, to begin the intake process [email protected] - 617-536-2460 ext. 5237

Out and About

Schools are done for the year, but that doesn't mean that prevention stops! There are plenty of senior centers and organizations that turn to Samaritans to train their staff and community on suicide prevention. As we continue to extend our footprint throughout Boston in a variety of ways, we had the pleasure of visiting the Grove Hall Community Center in Dorchester, where a large group of seniors gathered to discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the senior population. They spoke enthusiastically about their self-care and all the ways they are involved in the community that bring them joy and keep them busy. It was truly inspiring to be a part of the conversation! Another highlight was providing a two day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) in Taunton to 25 people who work all across the Bristol County community. Participants learned how to help someone who is suicidal keep safe in that moment they're in crisis, and focused on how to help those individuals find hope and identify reasons to help them hold on. Participants learned the benefits and importance of actively listening and showing compassion, and strategies for how to do this for someone in need of support.

Suicide prevention training is an essential community need. If your school, company or community organization is interested in arranging a training, you can find more information here, or contact Lauren.

Upcoming Fundraisers

"Do It for Sam"

Join the community of Hanson, MA as they come together and
Do it For Sam. This 5K walk is being held in memory of Samuel Andrews and all proceeds benefit Samaritans Inc.

Event Info:
Do It For Sam 5K Charity Walk
Sunday, July 31st, 2016 @ 9:00AM

72 Indian Head St. Hanson, MA 02341
Register Here!

90 Days: Mind Right, Body Right

Over the next 90 Days, Keith Reardon is taking on a daily challenge to help promote a healthy mind and body and raise funds for three mental health and suicide prevention organizations, including Samaritans. Every day he will complete a different challenge to benefit the mental and physical wellness of himself and others. Learn more about his story and how you can get involved here!

Open Positions

Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member or intern? We are currently accepting applications for:

Crisis Services Summer Internship and Volunteer Opportunities