Brewfest!

 Saturday, October 8

Proceeds from the event help local charities including 2-1-1 Big Bend.  Sponsored by Tallahassee Sunrise Rotary.  Do the brew! Purchase tickets online.

Helpline 2-1-1 Stats

August Service Snapshot Report 

Helpline 2-1-1 counselors answered 2,175 calls in August and made 2,538 referrals. 

Click here to review the August Snapshot.

Lifeline Receives 3 Millionth Call

2-1-1 plays key role in suicide prevention

2-1-1 Big Bend is the hotline provider for 24-hour confidential counseling and answers more than 100 calls each month for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255). 

In September, Lifeline reported receiving its 3 millionth call. Locally, 2-1-1 Big Bend assisted 1,213 Lifeline callers last fiscal year (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011) that speaks to the continued need for this service both here in the Big Bend and nationwide. Suicide is 100 percent preventable and we're here to support those who are hurting or know someone who is hurting with free support, 24/7.

Partner Agency of the Month

Refuge House 

Refuge House provides direct services to battered women, their children, sexual assault survivors while working to eliminate the conditions in society that allow such violence to continue. As part of this effort, it operates a funky little resale shop called The Collection on Gaines. The location is 729 W. Gaines Street - at the corner of Gaines and Stone Valley Way (entrance on Stone Valley Way). October is Domestic Violence Awareness month; now is a great time to learn more about Refuge House and check out their groovy shop!

 Volunteer Spotlight

Grace Norberg

1. How long have you been working with 2-1-1 Big Bend? 

I've been volunteering with 2-1-1 for a little over a year now. I was a part of the summer training class of 2010, and have been involved ever since. I finished my 200 hour commitment in April but have continued to volunteer, because it's what I love! 

2. What do you like best about working at 2-1-1 Big Bend? 

I love knowing that I've helped so many people that call into 2-1-1's hotlines, with things such as finding a job, getting help with their rent or utilities, or just having someone to listen to them when they're going through a tough time.

3. What have you learned in your work here that has been personally or professionally helpful? 

I've learned that often people are just looking for a non-judgmental, sympathetic person to just listen to them, rather than try to give advice. In the future I hope to be a counseling psychologist, so I feel this is a valuable lesson to learn.

4. What is one thing you would want people to know about 2-1-1 Big Bend? 

I want people to know that 2-1-1 is a great resource for a large variety of things, and no matter who you are, calling one of our hotlines can potentially help you. For example, 2-1-1 can help you find a low-cost dentist, a cancer support group, a grief counselor, places to donate to, free birth control, and much more. 

5. Finally, tell us one 'fun thing' about yourself!  

I just got elected Volunteer Representative to the 2-1-1 Board of Directors, and though I might not know anything about balancing accounts (especially my own) or fundraising (lemonade stand?), I am ready to be the voice of the volunteers and help in any way I can!