CrisisLink Helps Answer the Calls for Disaster Recovery in Southwest

Southwest Virginia continues to recover from last week's snow storm which produced nearly 24 inches of snow. Many residents will be without power until the beginning of January.

CrisisLink is working with 2-1-1 VIRGINIA and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to provide 24/7 telephone support to residents in need of food, shelter, and other basic necessities while the region recovers from the storm.

For the latest emergency service information available, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

Read more from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

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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/.

Washington Post Recognizes Virginia Hospital Center and Jack Bays, Inc. for their Support of CrisisLink

Washington Post Business Columnist Steve Pearlstein recognized CrisisLink corporate partners Virginia Hospital Center and Jack Bays, Inc. in his annual holiday column highlighting corporations that have stepped up to help those in need. Both companies have gone above and beyond to provide extraordinary support to CrisisLink this year, enabling us to double capacity at a time when we’re helping more people in crisis and/or considering suicide than ever before.

Highlighting the corporations that stepped up to help the neediest in a rough 2009

By Steven Pearlstein
The Washington Post
Wednesday, December 23, 2009

"CrisisLink was able to double its capacity thanks to the Virginia Hospital Center, which donated office space, and Jack Bays, a construction firm that helped to renovate it."

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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.

Donations Welcome Year Round

Need extends beyond the holiday season. There are countless organizations, churches, and non-profits that provide services throughout the region every day of the year. By dialing 2-1-1, CrisisLink can direct you to the agencies that provide shelter, childhood and youth development, job training, and food to your community.

Northern Virginia Family Services, a CrisisLink Community Partner, is always looking for community support for their various programs. They are currently asking for donations ranging from baby supplies, toiletry items, to gift cards for groceries and gas. Call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1 to get connected with organizations like NVFS and others, and to see how you can help!

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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/.

CrisisLink on FOX5 Morning News to Discuss Holiday Blues

Margaret Mathis, CrisisLink's Director of Hotline Services & Training, was featured on FOX5 Morning News this morning to discuss ways to cope with holiday depression.  Watch the segment below or visit the FOX5 web site to watch and read more. 

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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.

Please Support CrisisLink this Holiday Season

This is a season of joy, family, and giving--a time when we come together to celebrate what we have.  Please consider CrisisLink in your holiday and year-end giving.

Donate Online: www.crisislink.org/contribute

This has been a challenging year for so many.  There are the signs we can readily see, and there are those we can't see-crippling stress and anxiety, depression, thoughts of hopelessness and even suicide.

CrisisLink is a lifeline for thousands of people desperately trying to cope with what life has thrown at them.  People who are doing their best but don't know where else to turn for help.  People who need hope.

Your generous gift will help CrisisLink be there for the record number of people reaching out for help.

• Parents worried about how they are going to support their families.
• Young people who are too ashamed or don't know how to talk to their parents.
• Recently returned veterans struggling to regain a sense of normalcy in their lives.
• The uninsured and those without regular access to care.
• People who don't have anyone to lean on in difficult times.

CrisisLink provides free and confidential support around the clock and under any circumstances.  Even during this weekend's record snow fall, CrisisLink was operational and providing the same high level of care.
You can count on us to be there 24/7 no matter what.  Can we count on you?

Please donate today so that CrisisLink can continue to support the people in our community who are doing their best to cope and who have reached out for help.  Your gift will be put to good use.

Thank you in advance for your generous support.

Happy holidays and happy new year.

Best regards,

Marshall Ellis
Director of Development


CrisisLink is a public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to CrisisLink are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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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.

High School Band, The Moores, Raises Money, Awareness for CrisisLink

Money will allow CrisisLink to train a new class of volunteer crisis hotline counselors.

Who are The Moores?
The Moores are three high school students who share a passion for music and believe in giving back to the community.  Learn more about The Moores at http://www.themooresmusic.com.

What do The Moores want to accomplish?
The Moores are raising $5,000 via sales of their new album, Loneliness and Sorrow, to provide one sixty hour training class for twenty-five volunteer crisis counselors to staff CrisisLink's 24/7 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline.

What is CrisisLink?
CrisisLink is a nonprofit organization that provides vital support to those facing life crises, trauma and suicide. They provide information, education and links to community resources to empower people to help themselves.

Why CrisisLink?
The Moores are aware there are a number of worthy causes ranging from AIDS and cancer research to literacy and poverty. The band has chosen to support CrisisLink because they provide support for young people in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia areas suffering from depression.
Watch video by The Moores explaining why they chose CrisisLink.

How can you help?
Download The Moores music from iTunes® and proceeds will go toward $5,000 goal.  Click here to preview and purchase.

Where can I learn more?
Visit The Moores' Causes page.
Contact the band.
Contact CrisisLink via e-mail or at 703-516-6768.
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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.

Job loss has significant impact on mental health and children

Nearly half of the nation's unemployed have suffered from depression and anxiety since being out of work reports The New York Times.

People who have lost their jobs are having to cut back on medical appointments and treatments and are increasingly relying on family and friends for financial support.

40% of parents reported that their job loss and difficulty finding work has led to behavioral changes in their kids.

These are difficult times for many and CrisisLink can help.

CrisisLink is providing critical mental health support to people of all ages impacted by job loss, unemployment, increased financial pressures, and other crises.  And we are helping more people get connected to the free and/or low cost social service programs that can help get them and their families through this difficult time and back on their feet.

In the last 5 months, CrisisLink has:

• helped 50% more people, compared to the same period last year
• counseled more than double the number of youth in crisis
• provided twice as many referrals to community resources
• de-escalated nearly double the number of people contemplating suicide

To speak with one of CrisisLink's crisis hotline counselors, call 1-800-273-TALK or 703-527-4077.

To find out more about social service programs that can help you get back on your feet, call CrisisLink's Community Resource Specialists by dialing 2-1-1 or 703-752-5254.

Both services are free and confidential and available 24/7.

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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.

Volunteers Needed at NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo

We need your help! Volunteers are needed to staff CrisisLink's booth at the 2010 NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Please contact Lindsay Paulette Chapman by email or at 703-527-6016 if you are interested in volunteering for this exciting event. Please see details below.

What: NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center - Halls B&C (809 Mount Vernon Place NW, Washington, DC 20001)
When: Jan 16th & 17th, 2010, 9am - 5pm (3 hour shifts)
# Volunteers Needed: 12-14

Click here for the official event website.

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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.

Administrative Assistant Volunteer / Intern Needed!

CrisisLink is looking for part-time administrative assistance from 1-2 volunteers. This volunteer would be provide administrative support and assist with overall office management, and routine HR and Development functions, to include the following:

• Office administration duties such as greeting visitors, assisting with meeting logistics, answering the main CrisisLink administrative telephone line, processing mail, and assisting with office equipment purchases.
• Assist with scheduling meetings, appointments, and special events, researching information, preparing meeting packets, and making travel arrangements.
• Assist with maintenance of donor database and development calendar. Prepare, distribute, and maintain hard copy electronic documentation, rosters, notebooks, and application packets.
• Prepare, update and maintain corporate insurance applications and quarterly SEP contributions.
• Maintain personnel files and protect confidentiality. Prepare new employee packets, and provide basic orientation of procedures/policies/benefits to new employees.
  

Hours & Time Commitment: 20 hours per week. This position can be job-shared by two volunteers, if needed, with each person taking 8-10 hours per week. Hours worked should be between 9am- 4pm, Monday through Friday. 4-6 month commitment required.


Qualifications: Strong office administration, writing, computer, organizational and interpersonal skills required. Experience in office management, human resources, development, and public relations preferred. Microsoft Office and clerical skills required. High school diploma required, Bachelor's degree preferred.

If you are interested, please contact the CrisisLink's Volunteer Manager, Lindsay Paulette-Chapman at 703-527-6016. You will also be asked to attend an interview, and to fill out an online application, which can be found at http://www.crisislink.org/volunteer/application/register.php.

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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.

Community Resource Volunteers Needed!

CrisisLink is seeking volunteers to help us update our database.

CrisisLink maintains a database of over 4,400 resources for residents of Northern Virginia. This database is used by CrisisLink's Community Rescource Specialists and Crisis Counselors to direct callers in crisis to appropriate resources in the community to help meet any health or human service need they may have.

Estimated time commitment 4-8 hours/week, during business hours, 9-5pm. The volunteer can work from home. Position requires access to the Internet, phone, and Microsoft Excel.

The volunteer responsibilities will include:

• Making phone and/or email contact to agencies in the CrisisLink database. Contact will confirm staff member(s) at the agency responsible for each of the agency's programs
• Recording all contact information for respective employee responsible for each program
• Alerting the agency contact that CrisisLink will be sending an email, requesting updates to their program for CrisisLink's database
• Sending the agency contact information back to CrisisLink's Database Specialist; who assigns someone to that program to make updates
  

Qualifications: Computer skills (using Excel spreadsheets and Internet), a pleasant phone manner, and organizational skills.

If you are interested, please contact the CrisisLink's Volunteer Manager, Lindsay Paulette-Chapman at 703-527-6016. You will also be asked to attend an interview, and to fill out an online application, which can be found at http://www.crisislink.org/volunteer/application/register.php.

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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.

Picture of the Month!

Jamie Carter, CrisisLink's 2-1-1 Call Center Director, is a 2008 graduate of Leadership Fairfax's Emerging Leaders Institute. In her downtime from CrisisLink, she volunteers as Chair of the Emerging Leaders Institute, a program that brings together motivated and energetic young professionals from business, government and nonprofit organizations throughout Northern Virginia. Participants learn new skills, receive mentoring support, participate in community service projects, and learn how to make a positive difference in the community.

Jamie is using her knowledge and skills from the ELI program to give back to CrisisLink, Leadership Fairfax, and the community, and helping to develop the next generation of nonprofit leaders!

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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.

Giving to CrisisLink: How You Can Help

• Donate by credit card online
• Donate by phone at 703-516-6768
• Donate by check. Mail check to: CrisisLink, 2503-D N. Harrison St. #114, Arlington, VA 22207
  

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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.

Conversations with: The Moores

Members of the band The Moores talk about their new album and their fundraising campaign to support CrisisLink.

The band, comprised of 3 high school students, is donating the proceeds from their song downloads to CrisisLink - up to $5,000.

Click here to view the video.

To learn more about The Moores or to purchase their songs or album, please visit their website.

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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.

Spotlight on: Holiday Giving

Dramatic increase in demand for CrisisLink's services signals need for volunteers & support

Now is the time to give. Calls to CrisisLink's 24/7 Crisis Hotlines have increased more than 85% over the last year. Suicide-related calls are up 83% over the last year and calls from youth have increased 118%.

CrisisLink is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, to respond to people struggling with their own crises. We help people see hope for the future, gain the courage to persevere, and understand that they are not alone. But we can't do this without your support.

• Your support is critical to ensuring CrisisLink is able to provide quality, life-saving programs and services to people who need it the most.
• Your support is essential to helping us recruit and train volunteers who donate more than 16,000 hours each year to keep our Crisis Hotlines and outreach efforts going strong.
• Your support will help ensure someone who cares can be there to answer the call.
  

CrisisLink relies on more than 100 highly-trained volunteers to staff our crisis hotlines 16 out of 24 hours each day. As calls to our crisis hotlines increase, the need for more volunteers and support is increasing as well.

Please Donate Today.
Your generous contribution this holiday season will help support the volunteers who give their time to help others, as well as our life saving programs in the region.

Please Volunteer Today.
Find out how you can volunteer at CrisisLink and make a difference.

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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.

CrisisLink E-Newsletter: December 2009

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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.

CrisisLink Responds to NVCC Shooting

A team of trained staff and volunteers from CrisisLink is providing mental health support to the students, faculty, and staff of Northern Virginia Community College in the wake of Tuesday's shooting on their Woodbridge campus.

The mental health support being provided for NVCC is part of CrisisLink's crisis response program, a 10-year old program which provides in-person mental health support in the immediate aftermath of community crises.

Members of the NVCC community can find additional information on the counseling services available here.

CrisisLink also provides free and confidential telephone support 24 hours a day.  To speak to one of CrisisLink’s crisis counselors, please call 703-527-4077.

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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.

There is no better gift, than the gift of giving… become a volunteer!

Although most of us think about volunteering during the holiday season, it is an opportunity that presents itself all year. There is a volunteer experience waiting for everyone. To get connected with your local volunteer bureau that matches volunteers with opportunities, call Crisislink 2-1-1. Other agencies, such as SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia and Reston Interfaith are in need of volunteers to assist with their programs.

To find out more about local volunteer agencies and Crisislink Community Partners that recruit volunteers, call Crisislink by dialing 2-1-1, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week.

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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/.

The Link TV Show - Episode 4 Now Available

Watch episode four of The Link, CrisisLink's monthly TV show.

In this episode, we hear from:

• Linda Eatmon-Jones, CrisisLink Executive Director
• Elizabeth Yen, CrisisLink Development & PR Associate
• Erin Randall, CrisisLink Community Resource Specialist
• Katie Lang, Volunteer Crisis Counselor at CrisisLink
• Laura Renenger, CrisisLink Training Coordinator

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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.

The Moores talk about their campaign to support CrisisLink through music

The Moores members talk about their new album and their fundraising campaign to support CrisisLink.  Read more about it here or visit www.TheMooresMusic.com.

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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.