Snapshot: "Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to just listen."

Samaritans Snapshot

July 2019

"Before joining Samaritans, I wanted to fix people, feeling worthless when they didn't end up happy. My naive point of view that happiness must be universal has since been replaced by a more mature perspective, one that admits life's imperfection. I've learned the importance of listening, which has been lost in this fast-paced generation. I can't solve every problem; I can't make everyone happy. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to just listen. Since my commitment to Samaritans, my daily goal is to merely improve, instead of always finding the perfect, exact solution." - Helpline volunteer

Grief Support Services brings comfort to suicide loss survivors

Our Grief Support Services program hosted a record number of Survivor-to-Survivor (SSN) visits over the last year. During these visits, we send two SSN team members, survivors who have had time to regain their strength, to meet with loss survivors at their home or in another comfortable setting of their choice. This year, we even had the chance to visit with groups of co-workers struggling with a loss at their place of employment.

SSN is an opportunity for survivors to talk about whatever is on their mind - struggles they may be facing, confusion they may be experiencing, or memories of their loved one. They may ask questions, share worries or concerns, or even sit quietly. Some people find these visits helpful when they're not ready to get to a support group or perhaps just want some additional time to talk outside of the group.

By hosting 46 visits in the community this year, we brought hope to those struggling with a loss to suicide. As more people learn about our programs, we are able to better serve those who are grieving. We're proud to have empathetic volunteers that bring comfort in those moments of despair. If you have lost someone to suicide and need help, please know that we are here for you. Our services are always free and available to you.

Learn more about Grief Support Services

Run for Samaritans in the 2020 Boston Marathon!

Applications for the Samaritans 2020 Boston Marathon team are now open! Applicants will be evaluated based on their connection to Samaritans and suicide prevention, their running history and ability, and their fundraising plan. Applications are due September 3rd and r unners will be notified as to whether they were selected for the team by September 20th!

Apply now to run

Nervous about applying? In our new blog, Callahan McGuinness, runner on our 2019 team (pictured above), shares why the experience was the biggest honor of her life: "This process gave me the courage to have some tough conversations and forced me to deal with some raw emotions. [...] Thank you for giving me this opportunity, this honor, and enabling me to find some sort of meaning out of Kevin's death."

Read more from Callie

The Samaritans team is growing

We've added four new staff and Board members to our team recently! Megan Wirth has joined as a part-time Volunteer Coordinator, and Elizabeth Weiss will be an Overnight Helpline Coordinator throughout the summer. Former Helpline volunteer Emma Albright and Mix 104.1's Kennedy Elsey have joined our Board. Please join us in welcoming each of these wonderful folks to the Samaritans family!

Learn about our new staff and Board

Saturday, September 28th at DCR Artesani Park! R emember and celebrate our loved ones, reduce the stigma of suicide, and save lives through suicide prevention.

As a Life Saving Society member, you are eligible for complimentary registration to the 5K! When registering for the event at samaritans5k.org, be sure to enter the discount code LSS2019 after you select a walker or runner participation type.

Leading up to the big day, you can catch highlights of some of the 5K teams on our social media channels. Take a look at TEAM 41's poem of remembrance:

"The Samaritans 5K is more than just a walk or a run / It's a way to remember and honor our number 41 / We created our team this year because it is memorial year five / And we want to make a difference and keep Kev's legacy alive."

Read TEAM 41's tribute

Our incredible volunteers make our programs possible

We can't provide our free services without the generosity of our volunteers. This bunch pictured above is our newest class of Helpline volunteers who have completed their training course and are ready to take on their learning shifts. Help us give them a warm welcome! If you're looking for a life-changing experience that will transform you into a more compassionate listener, apply to volunteer with us today!

Apply to become a volunteer

Join the Samaritans team

We have open positions on our Development, Crisis Services, and Community Education & Outreach teams! Check out the job descriptions on our Careers page to see if one of these roles suits you. We would be thrilled to receive your application today.

Apply for a job at Samaritans

Community Support - Blue State Coffee

Coffee drinkers, rejoice! Every six months, Blue State Coffee at 957 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston chooses four local nonprofit organizations to support based on in-store customer suggestions. S amaritans was selected for this cycle, running from July - December 2019! Each time a customer makes a purchase, they are given a token to vote for one of the non-profits. The more votes for Samaritans, the larger the donation!