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In This Issue:
And the Oscar Goes to ... Suicide PreventionOscars
Reducing the stigma associated with suicide is not something one person, or even one organization, can do on its own. This stigma is a part of our society, and it will not go away overnight. Sometimes though, it feels as though we are taking leaps and bounds in the right direction. 

On February 22, 36.6 million people were part of a discussion on suicide prevention. First, Mat Kirkby was awarded the Oscar for Best Live Action Short film, The Phone Call. This film depicts a woman whose life is forever changed after she helps anonymous strangers as a volunteer at a helpline call center, something many of our volunteers have experienced themselves. This win was immediately followed by Best Documentary Short, Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1, directed by survivor Dana Perry. When Perry accepted her award, she said, "we need to talk about suicide out loud." 

It was thrilling to see two wins for films on suicide prevention. Over an hour later, Graham Moore rose to the stage to accept the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for the Imitation Game, bringing many audience members to tears during his speech on his journey from past suicidal ideation to the Oscar stage. "I tried to commit suicide at 16 and now I'm standing here," he said. "I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere. You do. Stay weird. Stay different, and then when it's your turn and you are standing on this stage please pass the same message along." We would encourage you to watch the speech here.
2015 Boston Marathon Team!MarathonTeam

In a little more than a month, 14 dedicated people will run 26.2 miles for suicide prevention in the Boston Marathon. Some are survivors, running to remember siblings, parents and friends lost to suicide. Others are running to celebrate their success in a personal struggle with depression and bi-polar disorder.

 

As they run the country's most prestigious marathon on April 20, 22 people will die by suicide in the United States. Another 550 people will attempt to take their own lives. Help the team reach their collective goal of $130,000 to support our life saving services.
 

Thanks to the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit, this is the 8th consecutive year that Samaritans will have a team running the 26.2 miles. Meet three members of our outstanding team:

 

  • Liz Loveless: Liz is a child and adolescent therapist who is running the marathon for all of her patients who have struggled with suicidal ideation. Growing up is already hard, but on top of that to feel scared, alone, depressed, or worthless is a tremendous load for a young person to bear. To make a donation toward Liz's goal of $9,000 for suicide prevention and learn more about her, visit her CrowdRise page 
  • Nicole Manzo: Nickie is running her first marathon in memory of her boyfriend's cousin, Christian Caldaroni. Since losing Christian in 2005, Christian's family has been very involved with Samaritans through the 5K and SafePlace, and Nickie is proud to be raising funds and awareness in his honor. To make a donation toward Nickie's goal of $9,000 for suicide prevention or learn more about her, visit her CrowdRise page.
  • Veronica Reichardt: Veronica is running her first marathon in memory of her brother, Vaughn. She recently completed two half marathons, and is excited to run 26.2 miles for everyone who has ever struggled with suicidal thoughts. To make a donation toward Veronica's goal of $7,500 for suicide prevention or to learn more about her, visit her CrowdRise page

Help the team reach their collective goal of $130,000 for our life saving services:

Team member Mo on her weekend run

Contact Team Manager Eve about supporting or joining the team! 


Participating in a physical challenge of your choosing and want to raise awareness and funds for
Former marathon team member Tricia with her sister the talented quilter, Lissa
suicide prevention at the same time? Contact Eve Rabinowitz for more information about joining Samaritans' Running Community - even if it's not a running event, we're always open to new ideas and would love to find a way to work with you! 

Do you remember the Boston Strong Quilt from last year? Marathon runner Tricia Pierson auctioned this amazing piece of work created by her sister Lissa, which included over 70 signatures from famous Bostonians. We are so excited to announce the quilt will be on display at the Massachusetts State House in Nurse's Hall from April 1 - April 20th, raising awareness about Samaritans and our marathon team as they enter their last few weeks of training. If you visit the quilt, tweet us a picture @SamaritansHope and you could win two tickets to our marathon after party!
Samariteen in the Newseli
Samaritans Volunteer Eli
Samariteen Eli Schwamm recently sat down with Fei Wu for her podcast Fei's World to discuss his decision to become a volunteer at Samaritans last year when he was just 16.

Now a senior a Newton North, Eli explains the process of becoming a befriender, and what he gets out of the experience: "Volunteering at Samaritans generates such good feelings. As people, we really want to feel useful.  The best way to be useful is to be helpful. The work we do is rooted in pragmatism - we are people who listen" Listen here for more on Eli's experience as a Samariteen.

Thanks for sharing, Eli! Befriending is a crucial service - and we need volunteers in order to provide it to all of those in need. If you are interested in becoming a befriender, contact us about attending an information session.
Comfort Zone Campczc

Losing a loved one to suicide is often sudden, unexpected, painful, and traumatic.  Children are frequently left with questions that can be difficult for surviving family members to answer.  Children who are exposed the loss of a loved one to suicide may experience feelings of self-blame or judgment, which can often be hard to manage and talk about.  In collaboration with Comfort Zone Camp and the MA Department of Public Health, Samaritans is offering a specialized, free, one day camp for children who have lost an immediate or close family member to suicide. Through curriculum developed for children affected by suicide, participants in this program are offered a unique opportunity to be among peers who have experienced the same type of loss, allowing them to make connections with their peers, open up in a safe environment, and help them know they are not alone. 

 

The most beneficial part of the day was the immediate comfort and understanding of how I feel. I always feel better after I talk; I got some good advice, tips, books names, suggestions, etc. The hardest thing for me was getting my son here, but now he wants to come again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, we are so fortunate this programs exists.

-          2014 Camper Parent/Program Attendee

 

You are not alone. Parents, guardians or close family members are given the opportunity to share their experiences among peers who can relate to their loss. They receive support and learn how they can best support their children's efforts to manage their grief in healthy ways.

The camp will be held on Saturday, June 27, at Camp Harbor View in Boston and is open to children ages 5-17 (18 if still in high school). Please visit click here  for more information and to register a camper. You may also contact Comfort Zone Camp at 781-756-4840 or [email protected].

Save the Date: The 2015 Breakfast for Hope!bfhsavethedate
Samaritans' annual Breakfast for Hope fundraiser showcases our life saving work and services through videos and testimonials. For guests of the event, there is no better way to fully appreciate the impact Samaritans has on the lives of others and the hope and happiness we bring to our community.

We hope you can join us for this year's Breakfast for Hope on May 13th at the Sheraton in Boston! This year's theme, "The difference you make," promises another informative Samaritans event for our community.  

Click here to RSVP as an individual or reserve a table.

Click here to learn more about sponsoring the Breakfast as an individual or business. With 450 guests, the Breakfast is a great opportunity for visibility! 
Out and AboutOutandabout

With such a snowy month,  Lauren Gablinske didn't get to as many outreach events as originally planned! However, she did present to the 7th grade class of Miles River Middle School in Hamilton. Miles River is a wonderful middle school that Samaritans has been presenting to for many years. This is a two day series in which we discuss facts, myths, risk factors, warning signs, how to help a friend, and who to go to for help. In addition, the class watches a video that showcases an adolescent that is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts and how that teen gets the help he needs. The 7th grade class was very involved and asked many great questions!

 

We are so excited to announce that this year's Breakfast for Hope testimonial speaker is the Life Skills teacher at Miles River Middle School, Danielle Petrucci! Learn more about why suicide prevention is important to middle schoolers by RSVPing for the Breakfast here.

 

Suicide prevention training is an essential community need. If your school, company or community organization is interested in arranging a training, contact Lauren.

Open Positionscareers

Interested in preventing suicide as a Samaritans' staff member? We are currently accepting applications for:

Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents
March
FridaySaturday
13

50% off salon service @ Contemporary Trends, 501 Daniel Webster Hwy in Merrimack, NH 

now through- April 20, visit Nadine. Proceeds will be donated directly to marathon team member Mo's fundraising goal.

14
Globe GRANT - now through April 30, Boston Globe subscribers can help Samaritans' win free advertising by mailing in or nominating Samaritans online. Doing so helps us spread awareness and reach others who may benefit from our services. 
27
The Paint Bar @ 7PM 823 Washington Street, Newton, $20 to join
Paint to prevent suicide with marathon team member Liz
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Join marathon team members Nickie and Ray after their 20 mile run

 

April

TuesdayWednesdayFridaySaturday

1
Boston Strong Quilt on Display @ State House, Nurse's Hall 8:45-5PM
Today through April 20, take your picture with the quilt and tweet us @SamaritansHope for a chance to celebrate with the marathon team at the after party!
3

Bowlarama

6PM - 10PM at 543 East Broadway, Boston

Whether your a regular bowler or its your first time, join marathon team member Jimmy for the "This is How We Roll" bowling tournament

4
7

15% of your bill at Not your Average Joe's @109 Chapel Street, Needham

Every Tuesday in April. Proceeds go to marathon team member Liz if you present this coupon!

81011
Green Grass Fitness Bootcamp @ 8:30AM Framingham State University Maple St. Field $25
Get fit with marathon team member Deanna
212224
"Semi-Permant Lifestyle: Urban Art and More@ Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville, 7-10PM 
Lesley University students art show to benefit Samaritans
25
28
29
New Momentum: Suicide Prevention Across the Lifespan @ 14th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference, Sheraton Framingham, 1657 Worcester Road,
Framingham
April 29 & 30th, Director of Grief Support Services Debbie DiMasi and Chief Program Officer Ron White will be moderating discussions. Register Here 


 

  • Want to learn more about Samaritans, or introduce your friends and family to the organization you've come to know and love? Join us at the Breakfast for Hope - May 13th at 9AM at the Sheraton in Boston
     
  • Comfort Zone Camp will be held on June 27 - contact us today to volunteer or have your child participate in this one-day camp for youth survivors of suicide
     
  • Mark your calendars, the 2015 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention will be held on September 26th in Artesani Park, Brighton - more details to come
     
  • Interested in becoming a Grief Support Services volunteer? Contact Grief Support Services Manager Emily Britt for spring training dates