A Social Worker's View of the First Responder World
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Clara Reynolds, President & CEO
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As you all know, I am very proud to be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been honored to work in a variety of arenas over the course of my career: child welfare, education, juvenile justice, behavioral health, and maternal and child health, just to name a few. However, it was not until coming to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay that I had the opportunity to work in the First Responder environment. Over the past five years, I’ve had the true privilege of meeting and working with our incredible First Responder community – law enforcement, emergency medical services, fire and hospital emergency departments. For example, I have been a part of amazing collaborations including the creation and implementation of Hillsborough County’s first community paramedicine project and creating a central receiving system for people in acute mental or substance use crises. But since I am a social worker, my true education on First Responders was during my monthly ride along with TransCare and my shadowing opportunities with Tampa Fire, Hillsborough County Sheriff, Tampa Police Departments and USF’s Street Medicine Program.
Read more from Clara by clicking below.
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"At the end of the day, I think I'm where
I'm supposed to be."
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At this year's Cup of Compassion breakfast, President & CEO Clara Reynolds shared the life events that unfolded to inspire her to enter the field of social work. Click the video above to hear her story.
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17 Years of Filling Our Cups with Compassion
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On Thursday, February 20th, over 400 of our friends gathered at Armature Works for the Crisis Center's 17th annual Cup of Compassion fundraising breakfast.
Rod Carter of WFLA served as the master of ceremonies. The speakers included Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Board Chair Lou Prida, keynote speaker Sheriff Chad Chronister, and Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds.
As the keynote speaker, Sheriff Chad Chronister was able to speak to the mental health issues his team sees throughout the community, and how thankful he is that the Crisis Center exists to support these individuals.
This year's event had a unique energy as Clara Reynolds shared in a video about the devastating experience of being home the night her mother, a Tampa Police officer, took her life. The events of that evening led to Clara's career in social work, and ultimately to her position as President & CEO at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.
A special thank you to our event sponsors, as well as Brian Prince, Bob Gries, and Elizabeth and Tim Traud who each committed to matching up to $25,000 in gifts. Combined with the donations made at the breakfast, we raised over $465,000!
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Save the Date for Strokes for Hope on March 28th!
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Crisis Center CEO Clara Reynolds, along with the Strokes for Hope team, will once again by diving into the Bay on
Saturday, March 28th for a swim around Davis Islands. This year's swim is dedicated to suicide prevention and Florida's first responders as the Crisis Center launches a dedicated support line for police, firefighters, and EMS (1-866-4FL-HERO). Local swim clubs will also be hosting their own long distance swims in community pools.
Event Details
Saturday, March 28th
Start/Finish Point: Cafe DuFrain
Start Time: 8:00am
Projected Swim Time: About 3.5 hours
Click
HERE to show your support to the Strokes for Hope team!
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Join Us for Take Back the Stage April 18th!
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In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Crisis Center's Sexual Assault Services program is hosting Take Back the Stage on
Saturday, April 18th at the Portico. This event shines a light on the journey of healing survivors of assault experience, providing an opportunity for them to express their stories through art.
If you are a survivor interested in performing at the event, please contact Dana Clapso at dclapso@crisiscenter.com. Learn more information about the event or get tickets by clicking the link below.
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Take a Tour of the Crisis Center!
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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, April 7th
from 12pm - 1pm
To learn more and register:
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Thank you Corporate Partners!
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Thank you Crisis Center of Tampa Bay Funders!
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