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Happy Holidays from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay!
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Crisis Center Mission
The mission of the Crisis Center is to ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.
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By Clara Reynolds, President & CEO
The holiday season is upon us. For me, one of the most beautiful parts of the holidays are our
traditions. Each of us can probably recall some holiday tradition. For me, it was always listening to Christmas music and watching holiday movies like The Polar Express. If you aren't familiar, The Polar Express
is about the power in believing in the magic of the holidays. I know many of our traditions center around our holiday beliefs, and usually these holiday beliefs bring the fondest memories. Some of us have whimsical memories of believing in Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, or Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Others have more solemn, religious convictions that mark this holiday season. Wherever you are on this belief continuum, you hold these beliefs as strong truths, genuine or real.
At the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, belief is a serious subject. Some people come to us because they may have experienced sexual assault or are struggling with thoughts of suicide. Others may come to us because of child abuse or domestic violence experiences. Whatever the reason, it's important for them to be able to share their story, in a safe environment, where they will be "believed"..
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READ MORE
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- MORE GOOD NEWS! -
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A Burden Lifted: Michelle and Brian's Story
Michelle felt helpless. She stared at the checking account balance on her computer screen and the pile of bills that needed to be paid. Every month, there was a shortfall. The only way she and her husband, Brian, were able to fulfill their obligations was to pay some bills with their credit card. The debt was piling up and she was afraid she wouldn't be able to pay their rent.
Desperate, she picked up the phone and called 2-1-1.
The gateway intervention specialist listened to Michelle, asked questions, and was able to determine that Michelle would qualify for help through the Building Strong Families program.....
READ MORE
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Creating Joy this Holiday Season
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PAR Delivers Gifts to
the Crisis Center |
When someone is going through a crisis, they need to know they aren't alone and that someone is looking out for them. For this reason, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides holiday gifts to families, and homebound seniors who receive services and support from the agency.
For the first two weeks of December, caring businesses, civic groups and individuals deliver toys, games and gifts to the Crisis Center, which are distributed to people in need in our community. This year, 12 organizations are participating in the Holiday Giving Program. With their support, more than 200 individuals - mostly children - will know how much the community cares about them this holiday season!
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Crisis Center Board Member Honored on National Philanthropy Day
Each year, the Suncoast Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals holds a luncheon on National Philanthropy Day to honor local philanthropic individuals who are making an impact on our community.
This year, Barbara Curts was awarded the Gayle Sierens Volunteer of the Year Award. Barbara is a senior vice president at Seacoast Bank. She's a member of the Sustainer Society and Women in Action who also volunteers her time at the Crisis Center as a board member and sexual assault victim advocate. She is a passionate ambassador for helping others, and has been involved with the Crisis Center since 2010.
Congratulations to Barbara for this much deserved recognition!
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Thank You Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring!
Victims of sexual assault are best served by a certified rape crisis center, such as the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, with experienced nurses and advocates. The reality, however, is that a survivor's first inclination may be to go to an emergency room, where the staff has not received specialized training to help sexual assault victims.
For this reason, the Florida Medical Clinic Foundation of Caring has provided a $10,000 grant to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to fund training for medical professionals.
In 2018, sexual assault nurse examiners and victim advocates from the Crisis Center will hold education sessions with staff from local hospitals, where they'll teach best practices and policies for interacting with survivors of sexual violence.
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Taking Time to Celebrate Crisis Center Donors
In 2018, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will raise over $1.5 million in donations from individuals and corporate partners. These much-needed funds help ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.
Crisis Center donors, including members of the President's Circle, Sustainer Society, Legacy Society, and Circle of Caring, gathered at the Tampa Bay History Center for a Crisis Center holiday celebration sponsored by Prida Guida & Perez. Over 100 guests enjoyed appetizers from the Columbia Restaurant and wines from the private cellar of John-Edward Alley and Beth Rutberg.
Photos from the event can be found on the Crisis Center's
Facebook page. Many thanks to everyone who made the evening possible, and to the hundreds of donors who support the mission of the Crisis Center throughout the year!
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Crisis Center VP Honored By Tampa Bay Business Journal
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's vice president of talent management, Katie Androff, was the recipient of the Tampa Bay Business Journal's People First Award in the government/nonprofit category. The awards honor the vital work human resources professionals perform for organizations in the Tampa Bay area.
Katie is the "chief people champion" at the Crisis Center. Katie and her team recruit compassionate individuals who are devoted to supporting and improving the lives of people in crisis, and also help create a positive work environment for staff and volunteers.
Congratulations to Katie for receiving this honor!
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Don't Miss Your End-of-Year Opportunity!
2018 will be here before you know it! There's still time to make an end-of-year donation to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay so you can take your 2017 tax deduction. Your donation helps the Crisis Center provide hope and healing to people in our community experiencing crisis and emotional trauma.
To make an online donation, click
HERE.
You can also mail a donation to:
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
One Crisis Center Plaza
Tampa, FL 33613
Thank you for your support!
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- Upcoming Events -
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Go to any
BurgerMonger location on December 22nd, mention "Crisis Center of Tampa Bay", and 20% of your total order price will be donated to the Crisis Center!
Tuesday, January 9th (12pm-1pm)
Thursday, January 25th (12pm-1pm)
Tuesday, February 6th (12pm-1pm)
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, One Crisis Center Plaza, Tampa, FL 33613
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers tours for people to learn more about the services we provide to the Tampa Bay community. See firsthand the difference we are making. Join us for a one-hour lunch and tour where you will meet with a board member, key staff and other interested community members.
For more information and to register, click
HERE
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- Thank you to these Crisis Center Corporate Partners! -
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- Thank you to these Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders! -
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