March 2019
Why the Cup of Compassion Means So Much to Me
Clara Reynolds, President & CEO

February 21, 2019 marked my fourth Cup of Compassion breakfast as CEO for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Every year, I experience a wide range of emotions, but this year, the overwhelming feeling I had was one of gratitude. We had a crowd of over 400 people get up at the crack of dawn to support the Crisis Center. That alone would deserve my gratitude! But there was so much more that happened during our one-hour breakfast that touched my heart.

This year, we changed some things. For example, we held the Cup at Armature Works. The facility was fantastic and created a warm and inviting atmosphere. And, let’s face it, the parking was SO much better!!! Rod Carter from News Channel 8 acted as our Master of Ceremonies. Rod honored our long time MC, Brendan McLaughlin, noting he had some big shoes to fill. Rod did a beautiful job, and we thank him so much for his generous time. 


Read more from Clara by clicking below.
A Morning Full of Hope: Cup of Compassion 2019
While enjoying breakfast on February 21 st, over 400 friends came together at Armature Works to hear about the help, hope and healing the Crisis Center is providing to the Tampa Bay community.

Rod Carter of WFLA served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Speakers included Board Chair Christopher Rogers and Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds; keynote speaker Denny Gallagher; Bob Gries, who provided one of the two challenge gifts; and Nikita Wilson, a veteran and sexual assault survivor who shared how finding the Crisis Center turned her life around. 


Read more about the Cup of Compassion breakfast by clicking below.
Connecting with a Fellow Veteran to Find Healing
As a strong, independent woman serving in the military, Nikita never expected she would need to be on the defense while surrounded by her colleagues, but one night in 2008 proved her wrong.

While preparing for a new position 11 years ago, Nikita became close with those taking the training alongside her. Towards the end of their program, they all decided to walk to a nearby bar to celebrate their achievement. While there, a man approached Nikita who shared that he too was in the military and was training at the same base as her. Nikita was polite, but returned to her group of classmates.


Read more about Nikita by clicking below.
Save the Date for Strokes for Hope on April 6th!
Be certain to "Save the Date" for Saturday, April 6th at 8am. On that morning, Crisis Center CEO, Clara Reynolds, Board member Jamie Klingman, and the Strokes for Hope team will swim around Davis Islands to raise awareness and funds for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay! Local swim clubs will also be hosting their own long distance swim in community pools in support of Strokes for Hope.
 
Event Details
Saturday, April 6th
Start/Finish Point: Marriott Docks
Start Time: 8:00am
Projected Swim Time: Approximately 3.5 hours

Click HERE to show your support for Jamie and Clara with a Strokes for Hope donation!
Crisis Center of Tampa Bay & Florida Veterans Support Line
Honored at Be More Award
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay was honored at WEDU’s Be More Awards on February 28 th with the Be More Brilliant Florida Blue Innovation Award for its work with the Florida Veterans Support Line (1-844-MyFLVet).
 
The WEDU Be More Awards honor the outstanding and often unrecognized efforts of nonprofit organizations and volunteers, and also raise awareness about their mission and service to the community. Each year, WEDU receives award nominations from nonprofits whose applications are judged by a panel of highly respected business and community leaders who determine the winners in a variety of award categories.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay first launched the Florida Veterans Support Line in 2014 as a five-county pilot program. In late 2017, the Florida Veterans Support Line expanded from the pilot stage to being answered statewide through a network of local agencies who answer calls to 2-1-1. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and Florida Department of Children and Families have been instrumental in the development and expansion of the Florida Veterans Support Line.
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.

Tuesday, March 5th
Thursday, March 28th
12pm-1pm
  
To learn more and register,
Join Us at Helping Hands Happy Hour April 30th!
April's Helping Hands Happy Hour will be benefiting the Crisis Center! A $10 donation will get you one drink ticket, free appetizers, and the chance to network with a fun group while supporting our mission. Join us at Centre Club Tampa on Tuesday, April 30th from 5:30 - 7:00pm.
Thank you Corporate Partners!
Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!