Dear youth and parents,
 
I had the opportunity to attend the two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) course this week and it was a really incredible experience.  Though the Army sent me to the course, ASIST is a civilian initiative that is open to anyone who would like to develop the skills and learn the proven tactics that can prevent a suicidal individual from taking his or her own life.  Though I was certainly able to help before, now that I'm ASIST certified I especially want to reinforce that I'm a resource you can access if you encounter someone who you are concerned may be suicidal.  To learn more about ASIST or the less intensive safeTALK, visit www.livingworks.net.  If this kind of training is something that appeals to you, be sure to look through the upcoming training events to find one you can attend.

Read on for information on LOTS of upcoming opportunities, and I'll see you Sunday!

Grace and Peace,
Russ

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