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Crisis Center of Tampa Bay September 2012
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Dear Friend of the Crisis Center:
In this issue you'll learn more about the many services and programs offered by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay through the eyes of some of our clients. The Crisis Center continues to reach out into the community to offer help, support and encouragement through crisis intervention. An article describes our new Law Enforcement Advocacy Program where Sexual Assault Services staff are partnering with local with law enforcement - Tampa Police Department and Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office - to review cases and offer counseling to area women who have been sexually assaulted. You'll also meet Ambie, a teenage sexual assault survivor whose story of courage and empowerment is an inspiration to all.
Your continued support is gratefully appreciated.
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Partnering with Local Law Enforcement in the Fight Against Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault is a traumatic event. That trauma can leave victims feeling, helpless, vulnerable and unable to take action. Using the principles of "Trauma-Informed Care," the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's Sexual Assault Services is working in a new partnership with local law enforcement to better serve these people.
Crisis Center Sexual Assault & Trauma Victim Advocate Lizy Ramos poses with Sergeant Kevin Schoolmeeters, Tampa Police Department's Family Violence Squad.
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 Message from the President & CEO He stood in our parking lot, a tall man, handsome, well dressed, his hands hanging at his side. He said it was the toughest thing he had ever gone through. He said he was a warrior, trained to push through the pain, trained to endure almost any ordeal, trained to achieve his goal no matter what the cost. He lifted up his head, looked at me and wiping the grief from his eyes went on, "But nobody trained me on what to do when your baby dies!" |
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Finding Her Voice - A Sexual Assault Survivor's Personal Journey
Ambie, a 16 year old high school student, wanted to kill herself. She had been raped and could not stand the pain of that trauma. Before acting, she called the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline which connected her with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Professional counselors worked with her and today she is well of the road to recovery and healing. "One phone call changed my life," Ambie declared.
MORE...
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Providing Psychological First Aid in the Community
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Recently, four members of the Crisis Center staff responded to a request from the Tampa Housing Authority for a group intervention with some of their residents who were mourning the recent loss of one of their well-liked facility residents.
Vicki Hummer (Trauma Informed Care), Steve Sharma (Family Stabilization Services) and Juan Rea and Lizy Ramos (Sexual Assault Services), conducted the hour-long session with Vicki acting as the moderator. The Eight Core Values of Psychological First Aid served as the basis for the discussion. Residents openly expressed their feelings and shared their positive remembrances.
At the conclusion of the program, the assembled residents agreed to stay close and serve as a support for each other during difficult times. They were very appreciative of the Crisis Center's rapid response and professional presentation.
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Lighting a Candle for World Suicide Prevention Day - September 10
On World Suicide Prevention Day, September 10, crisis centers around the country will light candles at 8 p.m. to symbolize the network's commitment to suicide prevention. This year, National Suicide Prevention Week is September 9-15, an annual event intended to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's 2-1-1 & Crisis Hotline staff provide daily, weekly and monthly safety checks and counseling for clients who are experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts or who have attempted suicide. Trained, professional crisis counselors are available 24/7. Anyone in need of assistance, please call 2-1-1 or dial 1(800) 273-TALK (8255.
For more information about Suicide Prevention Services, visit http://www.crisiscenter.com/content/50/Suicide-Prevention-Services.aspx
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How You Can Help
Whether it volunteering, being an ambassador in the community or through financial support, we can do it together.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay offers tours twice a month for people to learn more about the services we provide to the Tampa Bay community. See first-hand the difference we are making. Join us for a one-hour lunch and tour by clicking here.
Upcoming Together We Do Tours:
September 27 - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
October 2 & 25 - 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
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DONATE NOW
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