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"The day was totally different than I had been expecting, it was both uplifting and emotionally fulfilling. When you go through something like a loss to suicide, you really do feel all alone, and like your family is the only one going through this type of death and grief. Though it is tragic to see how many people have been affected by suicide, it is such a comfort to be surrounded by people going through the same thing."
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5K Team Captain
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20th Annual 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Artesani Park, Brighton, MA
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Salem Academy Charter School Students Support Samaritans
The thoughtful students of Salem Academy Charter School
demonstrated how important it is to be involved in your community by designing sweatshirts and selling them to raise funds for our programs and services. The students worked on this project as part of the One Bead Program, which provides a hands-on learning experience for students to develop a product and support a community organization. Lauren Gablinske, Samaritans' Director of Community Education and Outreach, and Kacy Maitland, Board Member (pictured above), visited the school and picked up their own sweatshirts while hosting a suicide prevention workshop for the students.
We are so thankful and inspired!
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Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24, and many young people have trouble asking for help.
Samaritans Helpline volunteer Desmond struggled with his mental health in middle school, describing it as "an inability to experience happiness." In the first of our Youth Voices series, Desmond shares his story about reaching out during dark times.
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Reach Out If You Need Help
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Creating a Culture of Concern
"We all have some mix of time, talent, and treasure to share - but for most of us, it's finite. And I think we all want to feel like we're making a difference." In our new blog, Samaritans Council member Stew Chapin elaborates on the importance of finding causes that move you.
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Applications Open for Boston Marathon Team Members
Believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about the
2019 Boston Marathon!
Applications for our 2019 team are now open -- a bit earlier than usual.
Samaritans has partnered with the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program for 11 years and looks forward to the chance to cheer for Team Samaritans at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2019.
T
he selection of runners for the 2019 Samaritans Marathon Team is competitive and applications will be evaluated based on each applicant's proposed fundraising commitment and plan, personal story, connection to the organization and mission, and commitment to completing the Boston Marathon.
Submit your complete application
and $26 application fee by September 6, 2018 to be considered.
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Thanks to Our Helpline Volunteers
We are so grateful for our Helpline volunteers who helped to maintain coverage by picking up extra shifts to handle the increased call and text volume after Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain's deaths to suicide. Thank you for being there for those in need!
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Become a Grief Support Services Volunteer
In addition to our Helpline volunteers, we are always searching for volunteers to assist with our
Grief Support Services (GSS) team, to support those who have been affected by a loss from suicide. GSS volunteers have been personally impacted by a loss to suicide and are at a place in their own healing which allows them to help others as they travel a similar path. Volunteers facilitate SafePlace peer-support groups and participate in Survivor-to-Survivor Network (SSN) home visits to individuals and families looking for one-on-one support.
Led by clinical consultant John (Jack) Jordan, PhD., GSS Director Debbie DiMasi, and GSS Manager Emily Britt, volunteers are trained on many different concepts and techniques to ensure that they are well-equipped to facilitate discussion among those who are grieving. Beyond learning about bereavement and mourning, volunteers are taught about the impact of suicide on families and common feelings among survivors.
The next training for GSS volunteers will take place on October 6, 7, and 13. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, we encourage you to fill out the Volunteer Interest Form below, and we will contact you shortly about the steps to take to become a volunteer.
While we ask for a one-year commitment minimum, many volunteers have been on our GSS team for years. We offer flexibility in volunteering, with no set hourly or meeting commitment, as well as mentorship during SafePlace meetings and SSN visits.
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Career and Internship Opportunities
- Overnight Helpline Coordinator (16-24 hours)
- Special Events Intern
- Crisis Services Intern
- Community Education and Outreach Intern
- Development and Marketing Intern
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Bereavement Camp for Young Survivors of Suicide Loss
Samaritans is proud to support Camp Kita, a free-of-charge summer bereavement camp open to children ages 8-17 who have lost someone to suicide. From August 5-11, Camp Kita will bring together children with shared experiences to break down the feelings of isolation that suicide leaves behind on its survivors.
Applications close on July 21, so apply today!
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Facebook Fundraising
 Do you have a birthday, anniversary, or other significant day coming up soon? Many people are turning to Facebook Fundraising on their special day to support our programs and services.
Creating a Facebook Fundraiser is easy: go to our
Facebook Fundraiser page
and click
Raise Money
. Facebook will walk you through the steps to set you your fundraiser, and the money raised will go directly to Samaritans!
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Last Call for Boston Globe Subscribers
Do you subscribe to The Boston Globe? If you do, you can help us earn a free ad through their Globe Readers And Nonprofits Together (GRANT) initiative that allows subscribers to help nonprofits earn free advertising space in The Globe. Until July 31, access the program at
http://manage.bostonglobe.com/grant/
. Choose Samaritans, Inc. in the drop down menu.
Spread the word and help us earn a free ad!
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