January 2019
Honoring Our Commitment
Clara Reynolds, President & CEO

In 2013, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay began to experience a significant increase in the number of crisis calls by veterans. These veterans and their families were looking for help – they needed food, rent assistance, and other basic needs. They also needed behavioral health services – substance abuse, depression, PTSD treatment. However, when these veterans would ask our Intervention Specialist if they themselves were veterans, 9 times out of 10, we had to say no. And usually, the veteran would say thank you and hang up. You see, a veteran in crisis really wants to speak to another veteran, a peer, who understands the veteran experience. From these experiences, the Crisis Center created the Florida Veterans Support Line ( 1-844-MYFLVET) in 2014, a line for veterans and their families answered by veterans.

Read more from Clara by clicking below   
Supporting a Veteran Through Their Time of Crisis
When Steven reached out to the Crisis Center’s Florida Veterans Support Line, he was at a loss for what to do next.

Having recently lost his job, he was now at risk of losing his rental property where he parked his mobile home. On top of his financial issues, he was struggling to support his 15-year-old daughter, who was recently involuntarily committed to a mental health facility under the Baker Act.

Steven was stressed and feeling defeated, both in his job search and as a father.

Read more about Steven by clicking below
Providing Additional Support to Florida Veterans
Florida Veterans Support Line Staff at the Crisis Center

The Crisis Center has contracted with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) to expand services provided to Florida veterans through the Florida Veterans Support Line (1-844-MyFLVet). The Crisis Center is also working with the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs to facilitate inter-agency collaboration for 1-844-MyFLVet.

The new funding will place veteran peer care coordinators and veteran resource management staff at local non-profit organizations throughout Florida that answer calls from the Florida Veterans Support Line.
Connecting Local Teens to Help, Hope, and Healing
Life as a teen and young adult can be overwhelming. Many young people struggle with anxiety, isolation, stress, and sadness. The Crisis Center works with the Central Florida Behavioral Health Network and Success 4 Kids & Families through the Healthy Transitions program.

The program seeks to improve access to treatment and support services for youth and young adults who are experiencing symptoms or are at risk of developing a serious mental health condition. Teens who call 2-1-1 or 1-800-273-TALK can connect with a care coordinator who will talk with them over a series of calls to learn their needs and connect them to help and support. It all starts with an initial call to the Gateway Contact Center!
Is Your Business a Change Champion?
Ella Bing Donates 10% of Sales to the Crisis Center

Do you own or work for a business that wants to make a difference in the community? Become a Change Champion for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay!

Change Champions support the Crisis Center through give-back programs and innovative promotions. As a Change Champion, your business will help generate awareness and funds for the Crisis Center!
 
If you have a great idea for your company, contact Jennifer Moore at jmoore@crisiscenter.com or (813) 969-4987.
Take a Tour of the Crisis Center!
Gateway to Healing Tours 
Listen to stories about the people we help. See the facilities where we offer healing to clients. Hear about the urgent needs of the families we serve. Find ways to join us in making a difference in our community.

Thursday, January 24 
Tuesday, February 5
12pm-1pm
  
To learn more and register,
Thank you Corporate Partners!
Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!