Snapshot
Monthly Newsletter
REFLECTIONS FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and it should be a breeze to write a blog for a nonprofit that has hundreds of amazing volunteers, right? It should be easy to say “thank you!” for approximately 1,500 hours of phone and texting coverage each month, 300 hours facilitating SafePlace meetings annually, 100 hours of yearly special event and outreach help, and hundreds of hours of volunteer trainings and continuing education. But it’s not easy – not at all. How can we possibly say “thank you!” enough?
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VOICES FROM OUR COMMUNITY
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After losing her son to suicide, Maria finds comfort at SafePlace meetings
"The day he died is the day he lost his battle, but the fact that he died by suicide does not define who he was. He was a kind and loving soul who brought so much joy into so many lives. [...] I believe it all just got too heavy."
Struggling with mental health issues, David reaches out to our Helpline
"I have dealt primarily with anxiety (generalized and social), obsessive compulsive disorder, and learning disabilities impacting both my social and academic performance. [...] When episodes set in, I text Samaritans’ Helpline."
Xiadi overcomes her fear to become a volunteer on our 24/7 Helpline
"Once I reached fifteen, I found many excuses to push back my participation: I was too busy, I wasn’t ready, I was already involved in the community. I couldn’t imagine myself sitting in a phone room, listening to and engaging with callers; the truth was that I was terrified."
Olivia, student and loss survivor, learns to help those who suffer
"After experiencing the effects of mental illness with my dad, I began to educate myself more about suicide, depression, and mental health. Although I can no longer help my dad, I can help those who suffer as he did and educate about the importance of these topics."
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OUR SERVICES DURING COVID-19
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You and all of the people we serve deserve our full attention and energy, especially in overwhelming and chaotic times like these, and we are committed to supporting you as best as we can. To ensure safety and encourage physical distancing, we have made some temporary changes to our programs and events.
24/7 Crisis Services
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If you’re feeling distressed, please know that you are not alone. Our Helpline remains open 24/7 for calls and texts at 877-870-4673. Our incredible Helpline volunteers will be working remotely to answer calls and texts.
Grief Support Services
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SafePlace meetings will be held virtually via Zoom until we're able to resume meeting in person. Meetings will take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8pm. Peer support calls are also available.
Community Education
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While in-person suicide prevention workshops are suspended, our team will instead deliver webinars in the short-term. Webinars are open to the public, and will be offered on Tuesdays at 10am and Thursdays at 3pm.
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Camp Kita
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Camp Kita is a week-long summer bereavement camp open to children ages 8-17 who are survivors of a loved one’s suicide. The camp, to be held July 12-18, provides clinical professionals who lead small peer support
sessions and offer 24/7 trauma support. The camp is tuition free.
Boston Marathon
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Although the Boston Marathon has been postponed until September 14, 2020, you can support our team, and join us on the big day to cheer them on! Our amazing runners have been pouring their hearts into their training, so please come celebrate them with us in September!
5K Run/Walk
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At the 22nd Annual 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention on Saturday, September 26, 2,500 participants will come together to raise money for our programs and celebrate their loved ones. Because of events like the 5K, we are able to continue to make these vital services available to the community free of charge.
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GET INVOLVED
Support
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When you donate to Samaritans, your generosity helps thousands of people find hope in the face of depression, loneliness, and grief. Your gift provides care, compassion, and support.
Apply
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We know that working in suicide prevention can be tough. We also know it can be very rewarding. If you're looking for a change, check out our open positions, including Database Manager and Leadership Gifts Officer.
Volunteer
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Our services would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Whether for a one-day event or a nine-month commitment, we have opportunities that will enrich your life. Apply today!
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