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"Thank you everyone at Samaritans for helping me and for being the ground under my feet"- Quote from a Texter
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Get to Know a 5K Team: Edward's Team
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We are just weeks away from the 18th Annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention! Join us on October 1 as we run for those we remember, walk for those we love, and come together to make a difference.
Edward's Team was created in memory of Edward Hingston who was lost to suicide at the age of 27. Edward's mother, Donalda, who also serves on Samaritans' Board of Directors, describes him as someone who was gentle with people and had a love for motorcycles and animals. The team, consisting of numerous family members, co-workers, friends and neighbors is participating in the Samaritans 5K for their 15th year to celebrate and remember Edward's life and continue to raise funds for suicide awareness and prevention.
Since 2001, Edward's Team has raised over $100,000 for Samaritans, a huge contribution! Donalda is Team Caption and a fundraising dynamo. Her suggestion for other is to make a list of all relatives, friends, co-workers, etc. and send a letter announcing your intentions and goals. She adds that it feels good to honor your loved one and know that you are supporting the many programs Samaritans offers.
To donate to Edward's Team, or other 5K teams, or to register to walk or run on October 1st, please visit
give.samaritanshope.org
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Be sure to like us on
Facebook
and follow us on
Twitter
to learn about more of our amazing 5K teams and to get the latest info about the race.
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Since January, Samaritans has offered a free and anonymous mental health screening tool via our website www.samaritanshope.org. Visitors to our website can take screenings for Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Alcohol Use, Adolescent Depression, Eating Disorders and Resiliency. More than 320 screenings have been completed at an average of 12 per week. Many thanks to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Screening for Mental Health for this excellent resource!
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Support Group for Families of Attempt Survivors
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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.
Those interested in participating 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 Tuesday from 7-8:30pm
September 13, 2016 -October 18, 2016
*Please note the change of meeting dates
WHERE
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
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| Summer Intern Spotlight, Jocelyn Ciarloni |
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Jocelyn Ciarloni, one of Samaritans summer interns,
started
 this past May and has devoted 16 hours a week to the crisis line. When talking with Jocelyn about her Samaritans experience, she stated that her time on the crisis line started with great apprehension - asking herself "what have I gotten myself into?" Once she started answering calls, she became more comfortable, remembering all that she learned in training. She especially values the connections that she has made with repeat callers. Jocelyn quickly realized that Samaritans is not only here for people who are at risk for suicide but for all types of callers, anyone feeling distressed, isolated, lonely or in despair. "You can truly feel from the callers that they appreciate that Samaritans is there for them."
She recently spoke to a first time caller who revealed that she was feeling suicidal. After putting together a safety plan with the caller, they said to Jocelyn "I'm so glad that you are there, that you answered the phone. You calmed me down."
After the summer, Jocelyn will be attending her 2nd year at Suffolk University studying Sociology and Criminal Justice. Before she starts classes, she will be training to become a Resident Assistant.
Samaritans greatly appreciates the commitment that Jocelyn and our other summer interns have made to the thousands of callers who reach out to us for support.
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Out and About
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This has been an exciting time for Community Education and Outreach. July began with Youth Enrichment Day, held at the Agganis Arena at Boston University. The event, put on by the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program and the Boston Centers for Youth and Families, kicked off the summer for over 2000 Boston youth that will be working all over the city.
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Lauren Gablinske, Manager of Community Education and Outreach leading the suicide prevention workshop at Youth Enrichment Day.
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Samaritans was fortunate to be able to provide a suicide prevention workshop for 600 of these youth who were engaged and vocal throughout the entire workshop. Guest speakers included Joseph Feaster and Carlos Arredondo, two survivors of suicide who are well known advocates in the community for mental health and suicide prevention. They shared their personal experiences with suicide and it was incredibly moving for everyone in attendance. Every student received a wristband with Samaritans' number on it and additional Samaritans staff were on hand to provide on-site support for those who felt they needed to talk. It was a truly collaborative event and at the end of it all, it was inspiring to see so many young people invested in the cause.
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 Gablinske.
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Introducing
Rickeina Coplin!
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Passionate about social justice, human servitude,
 advocacy and mental health, Rickeina joins the Samaritans with an array of skills in crisis management and community collaboration. In her recent role as a Case Manager, she served the homeless, mentally challenged and substance abuse populations at St. Francis House, the largest day shelter in Boston. After studying Digital Media Production at The New England Institute of Art, training with veterans at The Boston Globe and completing her Bachelors Degree, Rickeina discovered that her contribution to humanity was best delivered on the front lines, and not behind the lens. She has created HIV/AIDS awareness PSAs, advocated for families affected by AIDS, and is the Outreach Coordinator for the Empowerment Christian Church, where Rickeina creates events that target and support marginalized populations during the holiday season. Rickeina delights in her role as a Community Facilitator for the FAB Program at Girl Scouts of Eastern Mass, empowering girls in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. Volunteering for Big Sisters Association of Greater Boston, Community Servings and participating in Hospice ministry has fueled her calling as an agent of change. A true believer in self care, Rickeina enjoys horseback riding, fishing, yoga and karaoke. Traveling to Turkey, Jamaica and Puerto Rico has inspired her to serve abroad in the future. Rickeina is excited and honored to join the Samaritans' team as the newest Overnight Helpline Coordinator. She looks forward to contributing to, and learning from the works of the volunteers and staff who live for this life saving movement.
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Join Team Samaritans for the 2017 Boston Marathon
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Did you qualify for the 2017 Boston Marathon? Register for a bib and join Team Samaritans to raise funds and awareness for suicide prevention.
Didn't qualify, but still want to run? We receive bibs each year through the John Hancock charity program, and will be accepting applications soon for members of the Samaritans marathon team. Watch for an announcement in September with information on the number of spots we have available and how to apply.
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Donate Auction items for our 18th Annual 5K
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Do you or your company have any unused sports or entertainment tickets, a vacation home that is often vacant, or other items that could be used for an auction? Help raise significant funds to support Samaritans' lifesaving work by donating items for the auction at our 18th Annual 5K on October 1st. To learn more or donate an auction item, please contact Sarah Cahill or call 617-536-2460.
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Open Positions
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Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member or intern? We are currently accepting applications for:
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