New Rules Promise Better Mental Health Coverage

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.

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

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.

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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: January 2010

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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.

Volunteer Testimonial: Doris Crawford

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.

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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.

Coping Skills for a New Decade!

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!

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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/.

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

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!

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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.

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

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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.

Sea un Héroe de su Comunidad: Se Necesitan Voluntarios Bilingües

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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 5 Now Available

Watch episode five of The Link, CrisisLink's monthly tv show.

In this episode, we hear from:

• Sheriff Beth Arthur, Arlington County Sheriff
• Kathleen Kelmelis, Program Manager of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services for the Fairfax County Office for Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
• Michael Eisenhauer, CrisisLink Community Resource Specialist
• Missy Wagler, Volunteer at CrisisLink
  

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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.

Save the Date! Mark Your Calendars for These Exciting Events

February 11: Two-year anniversary of 2-1-1 VIRGINIA at CrisisLink. Click here to learn more about how you can help us celebrate.

February 20: Bi-lingual Winter Hotline Volunteer Training Begins. Click here to learn more and apply today.

February 27: 7th Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show. Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets today!

March 24: LinkUp & Live: CrisisLink's 6th Annual Gala & Auction Event. Click here to learn more and purchase your tickets today.

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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 Comcast Newsmakers to Discuss Upcoming Fundraiser LinkUp & Live on March 24

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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.

LinkUp & Live: CrisisLink's Annual Gala, Wed., March 24, 2010

Please join us on March 24, 2010 for a special fundraiser to support CrisisLink!

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.

When: Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Where: The Clarendon Ballroom, 3185 Wilson Blvd, Arlington

Tickets: $95 regular admission, $145 VIP Reception

Honorary Event Co-Chairs:

• The Honorable Jim Moran, U.S. House of Representatives
• The Honorable Gerry Connolly, U.S. House of Representatives
  

Honorees:

• Author and advocate Pete Earley.

Become a sponsor or make a memorial gift.

Donate an item to the live or silent auction.

More Information: Stay tuned for details on tickets, honorees, and more!


E V E N T - S P O N S O R S

H E R O
Bernhardt Wealth Management

R E S C U E R
Dominion Hospital
Guttman Family Foundation

D E F E N D E R S
John Andelin & Virginia Geoffrey
Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T)
Cassaday & Company, Inc.
Kanter & Company, LLC


M E M O R I A L S
LinkUp & Listen is dedicated to the loving memory of:

D O V E
Christopher Hediger
by Glenn Hediger

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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.

Increased need for crisis hotlines in Virginia and across the nation

 J.R. Williams of the Northern Virginia Daily reports on trends seen by crisis hotlines across the region and country.  Calls to hotline increase across valley, state, nation

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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.

Military Often Prefer to Seek Anonymous Support

Military personnel's preference for "anonymous" support is part of what leads many of them to call CrisisLink's hotlines when they're feeling in crisis and/or suicidal.

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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/.

In Need of Credit Repair?

Good credit can mean opportunities for financial independence such as being able to get housing or a car. Many of us are in the dark when it comes to getting out of debt and repairing credit history. By dialing 2-1-1, CrisisLink can connect callers to agencies that provide financial education such as money management skills, spending plans, and credit repair. There are also programs designed specifically for veterans, seniors, low-income households, and more!

Our Daily Bread, a CrisisLink Community Partner, offers free, one-time classes to clients interested in learning about budgeting and credit reports. They also offer one-on-one assistance and individual budgeting sessions by appointment. To get connected to organizations that provide credit counseling, like Our Daily Bread, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1!

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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/.

Homelessness Resource Center Webcast: What About You? Tools To Promote Self-Care

It's important to remember to take care of yourself in addition to the people you serve.  Check out this free webcast from the Homelessness Resource Center and SAMHSA for tips and tools to promote self-care.

What About You? Tools To Promote Self-Care
January 26, 2010, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. EST

Counseling Teens in Crisis - An interview with Examiner.com

Renee Sklarew of Examiner.com talked to my colleague Mary recently about youth suicide prevention and what parents can do to help.  Read the interview here.

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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.

Suicide is Rising Among Young Male War Veterans

WASHINGTON -- Home from war and out of the military, young male veterans appear to be committing suicide at a higher rate.

Click here to read the full article.

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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.

Study: Youth now have more Mental Health Issues

CHICAGO -- A new study has found that five times as many high school and college students are dealing with anxiety and other mental health issues as youth of the same age who were studied in the Great Depression era.

Click here to read the full article.

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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 and 2-1-1 Need Your Help Distributing Materials!

In celebration of the two-year anniversary of 2-1-1 at CrisisLink, we will be distributing 2-1-1 promotional materials in communities throughout the Northern Virginia region on Sat., Feb 13.

Volunteers are needed to help in this effort so that we are able to cover all of Northern Virginia (Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, PW County, Alexandria City etc).

Please join us beforehand at our Anniversary Kickoff Breakfast - bagels, fruit, and coffee will be provided.

Who: Volunteers, Staff and Friends

When: Saturday February 13th 8:00-10:00 a.m

Where: 1st floor of 5275 Lee Highway (meet here for breakfast and to pick up materials)

What: Pick up 2-1-1 posters/brochures/wallet cards and distribute them out in your community (Starbucks, Churches, Libraries, Grocery Stores, Workplace)

Why: To celebrate our 2nd Anniversary!

*Contest Opportunity: whoever distributes the most materials will receive a $100 gift card!*

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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.

Save Lives and Prevent Tragedies Through Volunteer Service

Are you looking for meaningful experience as a volunteer? Well, look no further! CrisisLink's nationally recognized Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor training program will begin its bi-lingual Winter 2010 Training Class on Saturday, February 20th.

WHO: Local residents age 21 or above, who are committed to saving lives and preventing tragedies, and seeking meaningful volunteer experiences, are encouraged to apply for a position as a Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor. Candidates speaking both Spanish and English are also encouraged to apply.

WHAT: CrisisLink's nationally recognized Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor training program will begin its Winter Training Class on Saturday, February 20, 2010. The program, which includes 60 hours of training over 10 sessions, trains community members to be qualified Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselors and empowers these volunteers to save lives and prevent tragedies through service on CrisisLink's crisis and suicide prevention Hotlines. CrisisLink's training program is nationally recognized and has been cited as a model for other crisis center training programs around the country.

WHY: Thanks to our highly trained volunteers, our crisis and suicide prevention Hotlines operate around the clock to support individuals facing a life crisis or suicide, and connects them to community resources, empowering individuals to help themselves.

WHEN: The first of 10 sessions in the 60-hour training program will be held Saturday, February 20, 2010. All sessions are held during evenings and weekends to accommodate regular work schedules. View a detailed training schedule.

The selection process for the Winter Training Class is currently underway. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online today. Applications should be submitted on CrisisLink's website, www.crisislink.org.

WHERE: All training sessions are held in Arlington, Virginia, and CrisisLink's administrative office is located in Arlington. The address of CrisisLink's call center is nearby, but is held confidential. However, CrisisLink's Hotlines answer calls from across Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. CrisisLink also provides backup Hotline service to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, parts of North Carolina, and nationally through the National Lifeline program. Last year, Hotline Listeners answered more than 30,000 calls.

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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 Responding to Increase in Military Suicides

CrisisLink has been listed as a suicide prevention resource in "The Military Wire." You can view the article here.

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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's Feb. 27 Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show. Buy Your Tickets Today!

Please join us on Saturday, February 27, 2010 for CrisisLink's Spring Luncheon & Fashion Show from 11:30a-2:00p at the Outback Steakhouse located at 9579 Braddock Rd, in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center.

This fun event features the spring fashion collection from Judy Ryan of Fairfax and a three-course meal donated by the Outback Steakhouse. Guests will also have the chance to win many exciting door prizes, as well as bid and win lots of items in our silent auction and raffle!

Your $30 ticket includes lunch, fashion show, and entertainment. All ticket proceeds benefit CrisisLink's crisis & suicide prevention and referral programs.

Purchase your tax-deductible ticket online today or by phone at 703-516-6778.

Tickets can also be purchased at Judy Ryan of Fairfax (located at 9565 Braddock Rd, in the Twinbrooke Shopping Center)

*Following the event, ticketholders will receive a coupon for shopping at Judy Ryan of Fairfax. Additionally, a portion of the day's sales will benefit CrisisLink.

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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.

People Helping People

The American Red Cross has been helping citizens in the City of Alexandria, and other areas for many years. Whether being called into action during a disaster, coordinating a blood drive, or providing trainings to the public, the American Red Cross is always there in a time of need. Their services are greatly appreciated throughout every community.

To find out more about your local Red Cross and Crisislink Community Partners, 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/.

FREE Tax Preparation for Low-Income Individuals and Families in Northern Virginia

It’s that time of year again: tax season. Many families will struggle to pay for tax preparation following the devastating financial effects of 2009. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a free income tax preparation program for low-income, elderly, disabled and limited English speaking people. In 2009, the program provided over $4 million in federal and state refunds and served over 3,000 Northern Virginia residents.

The Fairfax County Department of Family Services is coordinating the volunteer-run effort and providing tax preparation assistance for individuals and families who earned less than $49,000 in 2009. The program runs from January 23 through April 15, 2010 and is available at 18 Northern Virginia locations.

People seeking tax preparation assistance will need to provide:
• Photo ID
• Social Security cards and birthdates for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents.
• If married and filing a joint return, both spouses must be present.
• Wage and earnings statements: W-2, W-2G, and all Form 1099's received.
• Unemployment compensation, Form 1099G.
• Interest and dividend statements.
• Day care expenses paid in 2009 and the day care provider’s name, address and federal ID number.
• Student loan interest payments.
• Record tuition or student loan payments, 1098-E.
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
• Record of any Sales Tax paid on new vehicles purchased in 2009.
• Record of any Real Estate Taxes paid in 2009.
• Record of any Economic Recovery Payment received from SSA, RRB or Veterans Administration.

For more information on VITA and other tax assistance programs, call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1.

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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 Americanization of Mental Illness

This is one of the most interesting and important articles I've come across in some time. It should certainly be required reading for anyone considering a career in mental/behavioral health. As our communities become ever more culturally diverse, it behooves us to do our very best to offer support and treatment that's truly meaningful and appropriate for those in need of mental health services. And it all begins with a deeper understanding of and respect for each other's cultural assumptions and worldviews.

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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/.

Se Necesitan Voluntarios Bilingües Para Contestar Llamadas a las Líneas Telefónicas De Prevención de Suicidio

Sea un Héroe de su Comunidad

CrisisLink recibe cientos de llamadas a diario de personas que sufren de enfermedades mentales, pensamientos suicidas o crisis existencial.  Los Voluntarios de CrisisLink contestan las llamadas y ofrecen empatía y apoyo a los necesitados.

Estamos buscando voluntarios de 21 años o más que hablan español e inglés para que puedan contestar nuestras líneas telefónicas de prevención de suicidio de 6 pm a 9 pm de lunes a jueves.  Se le proveerá entrenamiento.

Conozca a nuevas personas, aumente sus capacidades de comunicación y ayúdanos a salvar vidas y prevenir tragedias en nuestra comunidad al unirte a nuestro equipo voluntario de contestación de llamadas de crisis de CrisisLink.  Visite nuestra página web al www.crisislink.org/volunteer o volunteer@CrisisLink.org o llame al 703-527-6016 para mayor información sobre cómo se puede ser un consejero de crisis voluntario.


Fondo de la Organización
CrisisLink salva vidas y previene tragedias todos los días al proveerle a personas que están enfrentando crisis, trauma y la posibilidad de suicidio con servicios de apoyo, información y conectándolos con recursos comunitarios.  Desde 1969, CrisisLink ha contestado más de medio millón de llamadas de las cuales más de 25,000 eran relacionadas al suicidio, y ha provisto más de 250,000 conexiones a recursos comunitarios.  CrisisLink también ofrece servicios a la comunidad juvenil y de personas mayores; da entrenamiento comunitario sobre los temas de salud mental y prevención de suicidio; ofrece el primer programa completo en la región para proveer apoyo inmediato y grupos de apoyo para aquellos que han sobrevivido perdidas repentinas y traumáticas; y tiene entrenamiento para profesionales y miembros de la comunidad.  CrisisLink contesta al 703-527-4077, 1-800-SUICIDE, y 1-800-273-TALK.  Para mayor información, por favor visite nuestra página web:  http://www.CrisisLink.org.

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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.

Top 10 List: Most Popular Blog Posts of 2009

We launched our blog in January 2009 to tell you about:

• services we provide and how you can access them
• people who support our work and how you can help
• community resources available and where to find them
  
• current events and news items important to us and where you can read more

Below is a list of the most popular blog posts of 2009.  Share your thoughts about our blog as comments to this post.  Are we sharing the right information?  Is there something else you want to see?

Top 10 Posts of 2009

1. CrisisLink Helps Answer the Calls for Disaster Recovery in Southwest Virginia
2. High School Band, The Moores, Raises Money, Awareness for CrisisLink 
3. CrisisLink on FOX5 Morning News to Discuss Holiday Blues 
4. Washington Post Recognizes Virginia Hospital Center and Jack Bays, Inc. for their Support of CrisisLink 
5. Giving Warmth with 2-1-1 VIRGINIA 
6. Picture of the Month: November 2009 
7. Recovering from Loss? Don't Do it Alone. 
8. FOX5 TV [video]: Veterans Increasingly Falling to Suicide 
9. Low Stars & Friends Jay Nash and Counting Crows Members David Immergluck and Charlie Gillingham to Perform at Inauguration Events for Friend Campaign
10. Information on Inauguration-Related Friend Campaign Events in Washington, D.C.

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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.

Want to get involved in your Community? CrisisLink can Help!

Volunteering consists of more than donating food and clothing. Organizations need your time and dedication. Volunteers of America Chesapeake Residential Program Center, a CrisisLink Community Partner, needs your assistance. Volunteer opportunities include facilitating groups, organizing coat closets, preparing hygiene bags and even maintaining flower beds and gardens.

To learn more about the volunteer opportunities available in your community, please call CrisisLink by dialing 2-1-1. Call specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information and referrals for volunteer opportunities and many more human services.

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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/.