CrisisLink Blog

CrisisLink Hosts 2010 LinkUp & Live Charity Event March 24th: Journalist, author and advocate Pete Earley to be honored

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:20:41 PST

CrisisLink – a regional leader in crisis and suicide prevention, intervention and response – invites the community to join them at their 2010 LinkUp & Live charity event on Wednesday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington. All proceeds will help support CrisisLink’s immediate and ongoing care for people in crisis, contemplating suicide, or dealing with other mental health problems.

In addition, LinkUp & Live serves as an opportunity to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to increasing awareness, improving understanding, or advancing mental health. The 2010 LinkUp & Live honoree is Pete Earley, a journalist, author and advocate specializing in mental health.

The event will include both live and silent auctions, VIP reception, food and drinks, and the opportunity to network and socialize with Washington area community and business leaders. Sponsors of the event include Comcast, WTOP, Bernhardt Wealth Management, Jan Brandt, Paul Di Vito & John Silvia, Dominion Hospital, Guttman Family Foundation, and Washington Gas. The Honorable James P. Moran, U.S. House of Representatives (VA-8th) and the Honorable Gerald E. Connolly, U.S. House of Representatives (VA-11th) are serving as this year’s honorary co-chairs for LinkUp & Live.

To find out more about LinkUp & Live and to purchase tickets, visit www.LinkUpandLive.org. To find out more about the important work that CrisisLink does for the community, visit www.crisislink.org.

About CrisisLink
CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies. We give vital support to those facing life crises, trauma and suicide, and provide information, education and links to community resources to empower people to help themselves.CrisisLink has operated around-the-clock for more than 40 years and is a regional leader in crisis and suicide prevention, intervention and response.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies every day by providing those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide with support, information, and links to community resources. http://www.crisislink.org.

LinkUp & Live Auction Preview - BVI, Outerbanks, America's Cup, Golf, Diamonds, and More

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:52:08 PST

Here are some of the great items that will be auctioned off at LinkUp & Live to support CrisisLink.

Don't delay! Buy your tickets today!

You could be the lucky winner of any of these items!

	Americas Cup Experience (for 2) - enjoy a hands-on 150 minute sailing experience on Dennis Conner's famous "Stars & Stripes" yacht, plus a 4-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay and round-trip airfare for 2 from anywhere in the United States. [link]
	Washington Capitals Tickets - two tickets to see the Capitals take on the Ottowa Senators in section 103 for the March 30th game. Nine rows back from the ice and almost parallel with the goalie!
	One-week Vacation in the Outerbanks (Duck, NC) - Enjoy the views from this beautiful 7-bedroom oceanfront home for one week in October 2010. [link]
	2 Tickets to see Jimmy Buffet on Sept. 2, 2010 - Grab a friend and join fellow Parrotheads for an evening with Jimmy Buffet. Complete with gas grill, perfect for tailgating!
	Caribbean Getaway - 1 week stay at the beautiful Villa del Sole on Mahoe Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands. [link]
	VIP Tickets to the Loudoun Summer Music Fest [link]
	1 Ct. Diamond and 14k Gold Ring - for the lady in your life, a unique and elegant ring with baguettes and rounds set in a yellow 14K gold.
	Sonoma VIP Wine Experience - Features Chauffeur, Winery Tours, 3-Night Stay and Airfare.
	2-night stay at the Marriott Metro Center - pack your bags and enjoy a weekend away right in the heart of Washington, D.C.Marriott Metro Center
	In-home Wine Tasting for 20 - Invite your friends to enjoy an evening sampling wines from around the world. First Vine Wine Importing and Sales is offering a guided in-hFirst Vine Logoome wine tasting for 20 people.

Click here to preview more great items.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Animal Suicide Sheds Light on Human Behavior

marya@crisislink.org (Mary Azoy) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:07:18 PST

This is a fascinating article that supports the increasingly accepted theory that suicides are not willful acts, but rather the response to intolerable conditions - be they internal or external.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Credit Protection!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Randall) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:52:57 PST

Do you know your current credit score? If not, how would you know how to find it? Well you're in luck because March 7th-March13th is Consumer Protection Week! Several free events will be held throughout Fairfax County to educate the public about consumer resources in the area.

March 9th, noon-1:00 pm- Energy Saving Tips for Consumers, Fairfax County Government Center.
March 9th, 6:45 to 8:00 pm- How to Hire a Home Improvement Contractor, Sherwood Regional Library
March 10th, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Consumer Affairs investigators will be answering questions, NVCC Annandale Campus
March 10th 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Consumer Affairs investigators will be answering questions, South County Center
March 11, noon to 1:00 p.m., What's in Your Credit Report?, Herrity Building

CrisisLink's 2-1-1 program will be helping the Financial Literacy Network at the Fairfax County Government Center March 10th 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. by offering a financial assessment test to help improve financial fitness. Call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1 to learn more about consumer protection and get connected to other health and human resources today!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Volunteer at CrisisLink's "LinkUp & Live" Gala: Wednesday, 3/24/10

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Paulette-Chapman) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:05:35 PST

CrisisLink needs volunteers for our upcoming event!

CrisisLink's annual fundraising gala, LinkUp & Live, will be held on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010 from 6:30pm- 10:00pm at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, VA.

The event is a special benefit to:
• Honor individuals who have made significant contributions to increasing awareness, improving understanding, and advancing mental health;
• Raise funds to support CrisisLink’s immediate and ongoing care for people in crisis, contemplating suicide, or dealing with other mental health problems.

Our volunteers are vital to CrisisLink and we need your help to make sure this exciting and important event runs smoothly—from Set-up, Greeting, Registration, Auction Tables & Bid-Sheets, Coat Check, Floaters, and Take-Down.

**VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED:**
• During the event- 3/24/10:
o 1st Shift is 5:30-8:30pm, or
o 2nd Shift is 7:30pm- 10:30pm.
• Prior to the event:
o Help the week before making calls, gathering materials, or running errands
o Help during the day of the event for set-up (3/24, 1pm-5pm)

Everyone who volunteers receives a free ticket and the opportunity to enjoy the gala! The evening's activities include a delicious food, drinks, live and silent auctions, networking and socializing. Cocktail attire requested.

Those volunteering at the event are also requested to attend a VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION session on Saturday, March 20th from 11am- 12:30pm at the Clarendon Ballroom. At this meeting, we will be going over important information that will help you feel more prepared for the event. Attendance is not required, but is strongly encouraged.

**Please contact us or call Lindsay at 703-527-6016 or for more information.**

For more details about the event, please go to www.LinkUpandLive.org.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

LinkUp & Live: CrisisLink's Annual Gala & Auction Event. Buy your Tickets now!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:46:52 PST

Wed., March 24, 2010 | 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Clarendon Ballroom
3185 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA

Purchase Tickets | Become a Sponsor | Preview Auction [new!]

Honorary Co-Chairs:

The Honorable James P. Moran
The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly

Honoring: Pete Earley, Journalist, author, and advocate, for increasing awareness and understanding of the mental health issues facing our society.

LinkUp & Live is more than just a party—it is a vital fundraiser for CrisisLink that will raise nearly $100,000 to help us continue responding to the dramatic rise in demand for our services.

Bid on and win fantastic items in our live and silent auctions to raise money to support CrisisLink's life saving programs. Spend a week in Duck, N.C or enjoying a night out in Old Town. Bid on fabulous getaways, a diamond ring, spa packages, sports tickets, Washington Capitals memorabilia, and so much more!

When: Wed., March 24, 6:30p - 10:00p
Where: Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington
Tickets: $95 regular admission, $145 includes VIP Reception.

For more information, please visit www.linkupandlive.org

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Power to the Parents

noreply@blogger.com (Hoda Elmasry) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:51:01 PST

With diapers, day care and doctors, the idea of becoming a parent can be both exciting and frightening. The financial strains of family life can be overwhelming, and the idea of finding affordable resources may seem out of reach.

CrisisLink can connect parents with a variety of free and low cost resources in the area, whether you’re interested in support groups for new moms, child day care options, children’s clothing or parenting classes.

Birthright International, a CrisisLink Community Partner, is one of these resources and provides free and confidential services to expectant mothers. They offer a variety of services including free pregnancy tests, physicians referral, maternity and infant clothes as well as help obtaining public services.

For more information on this and other parenting resources, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink E-Newsletter: February 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 07:31:13 PST

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Run for CrisisLink! SunTrust National Marathon, March 20.

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:20:09 PST

Approximately 90 people die each day by suicide and suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24.

Help CrisisLink save lives on Saturday, March 20 by joining us in the Run for Life at the SunTrust National Marathon! CrisisLink is a charitable partner.

Details:
What: SunTrust National Marathon
When: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 7:00am
Where: Race begins at RFK Stadium/DC Armory located at 2001 East Capitol Street, S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003.

Fundraising and Sponsorship: How you can help.

Create a personal fundraising page
Set a fundraising goal
Invite friends and family to show their support by sponsoring you to run!
Designate CrisisLink (www.firstgiving.com/crisislink) the beneficiary of the funds you raise and ask people to learn more about CrisisLink.

Get started now!

Registration
CrisisLink will register all runners. Please contact Elizabeth Yen by email or phone at 703-516-6778 by Tuesday, March 1 to register for the marathon, half-marathon, or team-relay. Your race entry fee must be included in your fundraising goal.

Training Groups and Tips
Please contact C.J. Cross, CrisisLink volunteer and certified personal trainer, at crosscj3@gmail.com for expert training tips, running groups, and for information on setting up your personal fundraising page.

For more information on the SunTrust National Marathon and the Run for a Cause program, please click here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

2-1-1 Vitamin Boost

noreply@blogger.com (Michael Eisenhauer) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:30:47 PST

Everyone knows the importance of nutrition and eating right, but how can you eat well while stretching the dollar and feeding your family on a limited income?

CrisisLink can connect you to organizations whose mission is to improve health knowledge and teach basic nutrition skills while paying attention to the wallet. By dialing 2-1-1, CrisisLink can direct you to agencies that target specific populations, such as pregnant women, infants, children, adults and seniors to eat right and live healthy lives.

There are resources for all-plant-based diets, diabetic diets, salt restricted diets, and weight loss and gain diets. If you are in need of health screening, nutrition counseling, or even classes on cooking or grocery shopping, CrisisLink can help! Get connected to community resources by dialing 2-1-1!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

When it Snows, CrisisLink Answers!

noreply@blogger.com (Jamie Carter) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:30:43 PST

When it snows, CrisisLink is the place to call for information about shelter, food, and public safety.

During the February 2010 storms, CrisisLink and the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA system answered calls from across the state from people without power, who needed emergency shelter, were concerned about their roofs collapsing, or needed other related services. Governor McDonnell and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management encouraged residents to dial 2-1-1 for the latest available shelters and warming stations. CrisisLink fed local information to the statewide system around the clock to ensure that everyone had the latest official information on disaster services available.

When it snows CrisisLink can:

Direct you to emergency winter shelters if your power goes out
Provide phone numbers for non-emergency police and your local emergency management hotline
Refer you to food pantries, thrift stores, and donated house hold items
Help you find financial assistance resources to keep your heat on

To get connected to disaster and other services, please call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink Celebrates 2 Years of Service!

noreply@blogger.com (Erin Randall) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:23:52 PST

*New Date for the 2-1-1 Anniversary!!!*

Looking for something fantastic to do on

March 13th?

February 11th marked the 2nd anniversary of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA at CrisisLink and in Northern Virginia. Since coming to CrisisLink two years ago, we have answered nearly 12,000 calls from residents in need in our community.

In recognition of the anniversary, CrisisLink staff and volunteers will be distributing materials in 7 jurisdictions in Northern Virginia to spread the word about this important service. If you are interested in celebrating with us by distributing materials please click here.

WHAT: DISTRIBUTING 2-1-1 POSTERS, BROCHURES AND WALLET CARDS IN YOUR COMMUNITY (CHURCHES, GROCERY STORES, WORKPLACE)
WHEN: March 13TH 2010 8:00 am -10:00 am
WHERE: 1ST FLOOR 5275 LEE HIGHWAY, ARLINGTON VA, BREAKFAST WILL BE PROVIDED
RSVP TO: JOINUS@CRISISLINK.ORG ASAP! PLEASE INCLUDE THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO DISTRIBUTE MATERIALS

*Bonus* A $100 gift card will be rewarded to the volunteer who distributes the most materials!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Picture of the Month!

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:10:43 PST

CrisisLink's 2-1-1 Call Center Director Jamie Carter with 98.7 WMZQ radio personality Boxer. The morning host talked to Jamie on-air about how CrisisLink is helping residents in need through 2-1-1 and our other programs.

Tune in to 98.7 WMZQ next week to hear Jamie's interview!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

VA Hospital Upgrades Care For Female Vets

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:40:39 PST

More than 230,000 women have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, but many report that when they return from war, they face another battle at home: getting the care and respect they need at VA hospitals.

Read the full text of the article here.

Listen here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink's 7th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show - Buy Your Tickets Today

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:41:27 PST

CrisisLink has teamed up with Judy Ryan of Fairfax and Outback Steakhouse once again to raise critical funding for CrisisLink's life saving programs and services for those in crisis and/or seeking help.

Buy Tickets Now for $30!

Join us for a Special Showing of Judy Ryan of Fairfax’s Spring Collection at a Special Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Outback Steakhouse.

Saturday, February 27 | 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
9579 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA 22032 | Twinbrooke Shopping Center

Outback is generously donating the 3-course lunch.

All ticket proceeds will benefit CrisisLink’s crisis, trauma, and suicide prevention and recovery programs.

Your $30 ticket includes lunch, fashion show, and entertainment.

Space limited. Purchase your tax-deductible tickets here or at Judy Ryan of Fairfax.

Following the event, ticket holders will receive a coupon for shopping at Judy Ryan of Fairfax. Additionally, a percentage of all Judy Ryan sales on Saturday, February 27 will be donated to CrisisLink.

Learn more about how CrisisLink saves lives, prevents tragedies, and connects residents to vital human services throughout the region.

Questions? Please E-mail us or call 703-516-6778.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

National Survey Shows Correlation Between Unemployment and Serious Mental Health Issues

noreply@blogger.com (shannon) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:09:41 PST

A recently released national survey done by the National Alliance on Mental Illness in collaboration with the Depression is Real Coalition, shows evidence that the recent climb in unemployment directly affects the mental health of the nation. The statistics show that 10% of the United States is currently without work. As unemployment soars, so do feelings of inadequacy and hopelessness. You can find out information on counseling, job boards, unemployment offices and local social services departments by contacting CrisisLink.

**Please click on the graph to see full size. **

To find out more about helping agencies such as the Center for Employment Training, the SkillSource Group, and other CrisisLink Community Partners, please call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Revising Book on Disorders of the Mind

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:35:49 PST

Far fewer children would get a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. "Binge eating disorder" and “hypersexuality” might become part of the everyday language. And the way many mental disorders are diagnosed and treated would be sharply revised.

Read full text of article here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Prostate cancer diagnosis raises risk of suicide

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:42:10 PST

CHICAGO, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Being diagnosed with prostate cancer roughly doubles the risk of suicide or death from a heart attack, U.S. researchers said on Tuesday, adding to the harm linked with diagnosis of this often slow-growing cancer.

Read full text of article here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

New Rules Promise Better Mental Health Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 07:31:53 PST

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration issued new rules on Friday that promise to improve insurance coverage of mental health care for more than 140 million people insured through their jobs.

Read full article here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink--a 2-1-1 VIRGINIA Provider--Prepares for Winter Storm

noreply@blogger.com (CrisisLink) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 07:04:58 PST

According to The National Weather Service, a winter storm watch is in effect from Friday evening, Jan.29th through Saturday, Jan. 30th.

During this predicted snow event, if you are seeking assistance for an elderly or disabled person during the storm, need information on warming shelters in your area or are concerned about an unsheltered individual or family at risk of hypothermia, please dial 2-1-1 or visit 211virginia.org.

When you dial 2-1-1, a trained professional will listen to your situation and suggest sources of help using one of the largest databases of health and human services in your community and statewide. All referrals are confidential and you can search for these same services on the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA web site.

CrisisLink is the 2-1-1 VIRGINIA provider for Northern Virginia. As part of the statewide 2-1-1 VIRGINIA system, CrisisLink is prepared to help residents from all parts of the state as needed.

Learn more about CrisisLink and 2-1-1 in Northern Virginia.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

CrisisLink E-Newsletter: January 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Elizabeth Yen) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:35:41 PST

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Volunteer Testimonial: Doris Crawford

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Paulette-Chapman) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:14:47 PST

Doris speaks about her involvement with CrisisLink and why she became a part of the team!

"Several years ago I signed up through a volunteer center to help CrisisLink with their annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. It was at this event that I first learned about the impact that CrisisLink’s hotline has throughout the community. The experiences shared at that event touched me deeply. I was moved by what I heard; but even more impressed by the passion and enthusiasm shown by those who had touched the lives of so many people during their time of need. I was immediately convinced I wanted to learn more about the organization and perhaps be a part of it.

Since then, I've helped with several fundraising events, and finally found time to be a part of the organization on a more regular basis. Since last August, I have been volunteering at the office as a special projects coordinator. I assist in posting open volunteer positions on local websites and in newspapers for both ongoing positions and special events. I also help with community events, database input, preparation of outreach and training materials, and other tasks, as needed.

CrisisLink is staffed by very compassionate professionals who have a deep appreciation for their volunteers and the difference they make each and every day. Volunteer crisis counselors are well-trained and supported by dedicated, competent staff as their experience and proficiency expand. I would recommend this organization to those who are looking for a meaningful volunteering experience. The critical needs served by this organization are so very important-- especially during these stressful times."

To learn more about volunteering, please click here.

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Coping Skills for a New Decade!

marya@crisislink.org (Mary Azoy) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:16:49 PST

Browse through just about any popular magazine or self-help book shelf and you’ll find tons of information about dealing with crisis and stress – especially during these troubled times. Just choosing among all these resources is enough to trigger a stress-headache itself!

Here are some reminders that might help you stay on the right track without wading through an entire library of resources:

1. Stress is an inevitable feature of existence. Our universe is in a continual state of flux or change, change creates stress - and so if you didn’t experience stress in its multiple forms on a daily basis, you wouldn’t even exist!

2. Stress is - basically – any challenge to your sense of “equilibrium,” mental, physical or otherwise. Another way of putting that is that a stressor is anything that causes you to "adapt”- in one way or another – to changing circumstances.

Examples:

You become ill with a virus feel lousy, and can’t maintain your normal level of activity (physical stressor).
You are assigned a new project which requires that you master a new computer language (mental stressor.)
Your partner or spouse decides to switch careers, a decision that has impact on you (emotional stressor.)

3. Notice, then, that stress isn’t intrinsically “good” or “bad.” It can be either (or both!) - and what’s important isn’t so much “what happened” but rather how you react to it – and the level of flexibility and resilience you bring to the situation. Charles Darwin (who knew just a little about survival and human evolution!) put it this way: “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

4. So – what do you need to increase your flexibility and resilience in a fast-paced 21st century world full of stressors? You need a network of support and resources that help you cope! A back-to-the-land friend of mine puts it this way: you’re going to want a good four-legged stool underneath you every time you milk the cow. Not a two-legged stool – or a three-legged stool…neither one’s stable enough to keep you upright in case the cow decides to kick! So think of your own network of support and resources as your “coping stool” – the thing that keeps you upright and steady when you get kicked around by life’s stressors.

5. Take a look at what each leg of that “coping stool” might represent:

The first leg could represent your community of friends, family, professional colleagues or other acquaintances, a faith community, a civic organization, etc. (Don’t forget pets, if they’re an important part of your life!) Ask yourself how strong that leg of your stool really is. Who offers you the most support and understanding when the chips are down? Who are you better off avoiding at such times? And then - what can you do to strengthen this particular leg of your coping stool?
The second leg is your physical well being. How healthy and fit are you? How much sleep do you get? How much regular exercise? How well do you eat? All of these basic things can have a profound effect - not only on how well you cope when you’re feeling stressed, but on helping to keep stress at bay.
The third leg represents the amount of control you have over your daily life. Do you feel thoroughly overwhelmed by all the responsibilities you face every day? Or – conversely – are you feeling stuck and bored by your particular life situation? You probably won’t be able to control everything in your daily routine, but small changes can add up to creating a less stressful life style for yourself over time.
The fourth leg is the one so many of us tend to ignore when faced with stressful situations or events – but we do so at our peril. This leg is the one that represents the activities that bring us a sense of accomplishment and/or pleasure in life. Hobbies, going to a concert, soaking in a hot bath, bingo night, cooking for pleasure - the list will differ for each individual - but all such things are essential in helping to maintain a sense of perspective and balance during stressful times.

So – take a good, long look at your own coping stool, figure out which leg or legs might be a bit wobbly and could use some strengthening - and then get to work! One small step at a time. Doing this may feel like just one more stressor in the short run, but you’ll end up feeling far more resilient down the road. AND…if even getting started feels like more than you can take on…don’t be afraid to reach out for additional support. That could mean something as simple as putting in a call to CrisisLink some 3 a.m. when you just can’t sleep. Or it may mean making an appointment with a doctor or counselor who can help you strategize other ways of coping more successfully with the stresses that life throws your way. Remember: every journey begins with the first step!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

HOTLINE HEROES: Volunteers respond during region’s worst snow storm in years

noreply@blogger.com (Lindsay Paulette-Chapman) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:16:49 PST

We’re inspired daily by the dedication of our volunteer hotline crisis counselors-- and this Winter is no exception. Over the last month, CrisisLink's hotline crisis counselors have gone the extra mile (and in some cases, literally, on foot through the snow!) to make sure our crisis hotline was staffed.

When the December 19th snowstorm dumped over a foot of snow on our community, more than a dozen crisis counselors volunteered to be on "standby" in case they were needed to fill shifts. The Arlington Police Department even chipped in to give rides to those who needed them, saying that they recognize how critical our services are to the community.

A very special thanks to all of our Hotline Heroes-- thank you for going above and beyond during these critical situations and being there for people when they need you most.

CrisisLink's Winter Hotline Heroes:

Crisis Counselors who took shifts during the storm: Katie L., Nate K. (both of whom walked through the blowing snow storm to the call center!), Cynthia R., Michael F., Kathleen J., David S., Jerome P., and Tricia M. (who had to dig her car out of the parking lot at 2 a.m.)!!
Overnight Crisis Counselors who covered 40 hours of extra shifts so that the phones were always staffed during the snow storm: Daisy L., Robert V., Adrienne J., and Louise H.
Crisis Counselors who stepped up to provide extra coverage over the recent holidays: Emily A., Donna D., Kevin H., Margot I., Kathleen J., Rick K., Tricia M., George M., Olivia M., Rachel Z.
Crisis Counselors who covered last minute Christmas Eve needs (and who stayed extra hours to support their fellow crisis counselors): Christina P., Nick S.
Arlington Police Officers who helped get our crisis counselors safely to/from their shifts.

Also, a special thank you to:

Crisis Counselors who offered to be on "Standby" during the snow storm: Jenny B., Cindy B., Kelsey B., Susan C., Kevin H., Kathleen J., Hank L., Andrea M., Barney P., Tom S., Nick S., Tricia M., Christina, P, and Katherine Y.
Overnight Crisis Counselors who covered the holidays so that most volunteers could spend time with their families: Daisy L., Adrienne J, Robert V., Louise H.

Do YOU want to answer the call to help? CrisisLink's Winter volunteer hotline training class is just around the corner - the first session starts February 20th - and we are looking for empathic listeners to join our crisis counseling team!

We're also recruiting bilingual Spanish speakers for this class so we can begin offering hotlines services to the Latino community. Help us get the word out for this valuable new program!

Please visit our web site for more information, or call 703-527-6016. Time is running out and interviews are being scheduled now!

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.

Missy Wagler on CrisisLink's Feb. 27 Luncheon & Fashion Show

noreply@blogger.com (Marshall Ellis) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:20:47 PST

Make a Difference: Donate. Volunteer. Participate.