The traumatic experiences in Aunt Mary's life were adding up, including the death of her husband 10 years ago. A suicide attempt by overdose led to an involuntary hospitalization under the Baker Act.

Samantha knew she had to intervene.

She told her aunt that when she had faced a crisis in her past, she received trauma counseling at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay - and so could she. In Mary's first meeting with a Crisis Center care coordinator, Mary shared that a few months earlier she had been sexually assaulted by a younger neighbor who continued to harass and stalk her. She had not pressed charges, but did make an unsuccessful attempt at filing an injunction.

The care coordinator realized Mary had numerous needs that required a team of support. She worked with Mary on a suicide prevention safety plan and connected her with a sexual assault victim advocate, as well as a trauma counselor.

Mary quickly started trauma counseling. Her victim advocate provided Mary with information about the legal system and the injunction process. She helped connect Mary with the Legal Assistance for Victims program to have representation for the injunction, and agreed to go with Mary to the court house that day to provide additional support.

A few weeks later, Mary's care coordinator spoke with her after a trauma counseling appointment. Mary let her know that for the first time in nine years she felt supported, and that she was drawing upon the energy and strength of everyone involved in her care.

Because of the support of Crisis Center donors and funders, Mary didn't pay for any of the trauma counseling, care coordination or victim advocacy services she received. Thank you for helping to create an effortless experience for people who turn to the Crisis Center for help, hope and healing.