January 2017


A New Year Rings in a New Strategic Plan                  
   
I'm sure I am like many of you - a new year means a chance to re-evaluate priorities and make plans for improvement in the coming year.  For me, each new year embodies a sense of excitement for a fresh start.  It is a time to clean out the closets, both literally and figuratively, and re-embrace organization and structure.  Just like at home, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is undergoing its own refreshment.  It started with an 18-month strategic planning process.  We worked with our board, staff, clients and key community stakeholders to assess our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.  We created new board and internal committees to review data, examine processes and make recommendations.  The result is our renewed focus on being the Community's Gateway to Help, Hope and Healing.

To become the Community's Gateway, we are embarking on some major shifts in our thinking and focus.  We heard loud and clear from our community stakeholders that an "effortless experience" was imperative for those needing services in a crisis.  So, by utilizing 2-1-1 as the entryway to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, we are shifting from an organization of multiple programs to one focused on two essential services:  access to help and interventions for healing.

To implement this new plan, some changes are occurring.  Beginning March 1, 2017, we will undergo a major building renovation.  This renovation will change the physical space as well as the technological infrastructure needed to create an "effortless experience" for those in crisis.  It also means that our Family Stabilization Program will transition from a standalone program to an enhanced care coordination model embedded in our intervention services.  In simple terms, we will be providing support pertaining to basic needs like housing and utilities to our clients who are participating in either our trauma or sexual assault services.  We are discontinuing our "walk-up" Family Stabilization program effective March 1, 2017.  Those in the community needing this assistance may call 2-1-1 for referrals and information.

We are very excited about our new strategic plan.  We believe this new focused approach will really help to ensure that no one in our community has to face a crisis alone!

Happy New Year!

Clara