In This Issue:

A Conversation: Breakfast for Hope Video

This year's Breakfast for Hope took place on May 26th at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. It was a wonderful event, and we are so proud of this year's testimonial video that we wanted to make sure everyone has had a chance to watch it.

The video testimonial was created by our friends at Cole Creative, and features Helpline volunteer and Boston Marathon runner Davia Moore, and Grief and Support Services volunteer Sharon Barry. Click to watch their discussion on struggling with mental illness and the impact of Samaritans' services in their own lives.

Click here to see pictures from the event. To learn more about joining the committee, hosting a table or sponsoring next year's Breakfast, contact us.

Register Today - The Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention is October 1st

We run for those we remember. We walk for those we love. We come together to make a difference. Please join us for the 18th Annual Samaritans 5K Run/Walk for Suicide Prevention.

Registration is now open - $40 for runners, $35 for walkers

Date: Saturday, October 1, 2016

Location:

Artesani Park

1225 Soldiers Field Road

Boston, MA 02135

Race Day Schedule:

First Shuttle: 7:45am

Registration: 8:00am

Run/Walk: 10:00am

Runner and Fundraising Awards: 11:30am

Family Fun Festival: 8:00 - 11:30am

Click here to register as an individual or start a team.

Boston College Pulse Program

This year marks the 39th year that Samaritan' has been working with the Pulse Program of Boston College. The PULSE Program's mission is to educate students about social injustice.

Pulse students participate in a comprehensive training that will prepare them to answer the crisis line. They commit 8 hours a week, as well as one overnight shift per month which is extremely beneficial to staffing the crisis line at a time which can be very challenging. Along with their shifts, they also attend 2 continuing education throughout the school year. As students become more experienced on the crisis line, they may have the opportunity to become Mentors - a volunteer who assists a new volunteer with their learning shifts. Samaritans sees this as an opportunity to provide professional developmental skills as well as an opportunity to provide service - something that aligns with the mission of the Pulse Program.

This past school year 17 Pulse students worked on both the crisis line and the text support platform and provided approximately 3500 service hours. Samaritans looks forward to collaborating with the Pulse Program for many years to come.

A students' perspective on their experience:

Volunteering at Samaritans as a Pulse student was a remarkable opportunity. The individuals I spoke to encapsulated the unfortunate livelihood of a downtrodden population, helping me recognize both the ugly aspects of society and the treasures of active listening. In selecting Samaritans as my community partner, I feel I have made a lasting impact on these people and seen a change in myself for the better - Kevin, BC Pulse Student.

For more information on becoming a volunteer, click here.

Support for individuals supporting a family member, friend or significant other who has attempted suicide or has suicidal ideation

This group aims to provide a space for individuals to talk openly with others who are dealing with the complicated emotions following a loved one's suicide attempt or disclosure of suicidal ideation. Our hope is to provide individuals supporting a suicide attempt survivor or a loved one struggling with suicidality an opportunity to join a community of peers who can understand; it is a space to share their personal experiences and to learn healthy coping skills while supporting their loved ones in their daily lives.

This is a closed group. Those interested in participating must complete an intake by phone with one of the group facilitators and commit to attending all six sessions. There is no fee for participation.

WHEN
Every Monday from 7-8:30pm

July 11, 2016 - August 15, 2016

*Please note the change of meeting dates

WHERE
Brigham House

20 Hartford Street

Newton Highlands MA

*Conveniently located near Routes 9 and 128, and Newton Highlands T station on the Riverside Green Line

Contact Debbie DiMasi, Director of Grief Support Services, to begin the intake process ddimasi@samaritanshope.org - 617-536-2460 ext. 5237

Out and About

As schools begin to wind down, we were fortunate enough to finish off this year with visits to two schools that we have long standing relationships with: the Miles River Middle School in South Hamilton, and the Whitcomb Middle School in Marlborough. The maturity of the students and their willingness to engage and be open was very impressive, and it's always a joy to work with them and continue to build those relationships. Another highlight from the month was a workshop for members of the Depression Awareness Group at Boston Latin High School. Students in this group work to build awareness around depression and mental health in their school, and this was the second time Community Education and Outreach had visited the group. They're an incredibly motivated and passionate group of young people, who are working hard to break down the stigma associated with mental illness and depression, and open up the conversation in their school and their community.

Suicide prevention training is an essential community need. If your school, company or community organization is interested in arranging a training, you can find more information here, or contact Lauren.

Introducing, Maxwell Bukowiec

As a recent graduate from Emmanuel College, Max is excited to

start working at Samaritans as the Special Events Coordinator. He is thrilled that he will be able to combine his passions for development work, mental health, and running into one experience. At a young age, Max developed an interest in public health but it was not until college that he discovered the development field. As the Events Intern at both the AIDS Action Committee and Mission Grammar School in Roxbury, Max further discovered his passion for development and event planning within small non-profits. The experiences of his family members and friends have made the topic of mental health a very important one for Max, leading him to pursue work in this field. Running is also an important aspect of his life. He has been a member of both his high school and college cross country and track teams and is excited to have the opportunity to coordinate the 5k for Samaritans. As the newest member of the Samaritans staff, Max looks forward to learning more about the organization as well as contributing to such an important and life-saving cause.

Open Positions

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