"To all the Samaritans-thank you so much for your kindness and compassion over the years."- Helpline Caller

In This Issue:

Annual Memorial Service

We invite you to join us on Sunday, January 29, 2017 for

Samaritans' Annual Memorial Service where we will share our love and our grief for those we've lost with others who understand. Whether through song, poem, letter or silent observance - we will remember them. By coming together and memorializing our loved ones, we are able to share the everlasting imprint they have left in our hearts.

Those who attend range from people who have suffered a recent loss to people who are remembering a loved one lost to suicide years ago. Even if you have not lost a loved one to suicide, all members of the greater Samaritans' community are invited to join us for this powerful event. There is no more impactful way to be reminded of the importance of our work, nor more inspirational way to rededicate ourselves to the work of suicide prevention in the upcoming year.

When and Where : 3-5PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Arlington Center (630 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington), a social hour will follow the program to build upon the community of support we have created at Samaritans.

If you'd like to be added to the mailing list for this event or to find out more, please contact our Grief Support Services Manager, Emily Britt.

The Impact of Social Isolation

We all know that the holidays can be particularly difficult for many people; particularly those who are lonely and isolated. The New York Times recently published an article on the impact of social isolation. About one-third of Americans older than 65, and half of those over 85 live alone. Since the 1980's the percentage of American adults who say they're lonely has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent. During the month of December, over 170 volunteers provided over 1000 hours of befriending services over the phone and text. It is estimated that 4% of texters and 20% of callers contact Samaritans due to loneliness. As stated in the Times article, human connection lies at the heart of human well- being. Samaritans helps to maintain bonds where those connections are fading.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/22/upshot/how-social-isolation-is-killing-us.html

Bullying Intervention Specialist Training

Over the holidays, trainings by Community Education and Outreach slow down, but we've still had the opportunity to provide training's to some fantastic groups in the community. We recently held a training for Bullying Intervention Specialists for the Boston Public Schools. This was a great group of educators and administrators that are passionate about eradicating bullying within their schools, and they learned a great deal in the training that can be applied to their roles. We also held workshops in a new school district, working with middle school students in the town of Ashland. It's always exciting when we begin working with a new school, and the students in Ashland were open, respectful, and shared many good ideas.

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.

Meet our 2017 Boston Marathon Team!

On Monday, April 17, 2017 The Samaritans Boston Marathon Team will run 26.2 miles for suicide prevention. This year, we have a large team of 19 dedicated individuals who will run for Samaritans. Our goal is $165,000. To donate to our team or one of our amazing runners, check out our CrowdRise page!

Meet four members of our outstanding team:

Dennis Sheppard: Dennis grew up on the South Shore in East Bridgewater. He ran Cross Country and Track during High School and at the University of Rhode Island. He is the Head Coach at Marshfield High School for the past 9 years and a Physical Education Teacher for 5 years. He is very excited and proud to run in the memory of his former teammate from High School Shawn White and his former athlete Kevin Friedland. Dennis looks forward to fundraising for Samaritans in their memory and anyone else that has struggled with suicide. To learn more about Dennis or make a donation towards his goal, visit his CrowdRise Page.

Jeremy Devlin: Jeremy is running in memory of his cousin Chris. He is honored to have been chosen for this year's team and for such a worthy cause. He hopes that he can do a small part in helping those who have and will be affected by suicide thru this process. There is nothing that can take your breath away faster than hearing that a loved one is no longer with you and that you did not get the chance to say goodbye. The impact seems even more profound when the loss comes as a result of suicide. I am eternally grateful for the support that the Samaritans were able to give to his parents during this tragic time in their lives. A support and understanding that can't always be found your everyday circle of friends and family given the unique nature and issues that suicide presents. If my running in the marathon and raising the awareness and funds to help the Samaritans continue their mission then 26.2 miles is a welcomed task. To learn more about Jeremy or make a donation towards his goal, visit his CrowdRise Page.

Jessica Greenwood: Jessica is running for Samaritans to help spread the word and stop the stigma of suicide. We all get sad, but at times our sadness and anxiety take over, and we need to be loud and clear that there is always HOPE!Thanks to the John Hanock Non-Profit Marathon Program, this is the 10th consecutive year that Samaritans has received bib numbers for our Marathon Team. All proceeds generated from this year's team will benefit Samaritans' suicide prevention services including our 24/7 Crisis Services phone and text helplines, Community Education and Outreach, and Grief Support Services for those who have lost someone to suicide. To learn more about Jessica or make a donation towards her goal, visit her CrowdRise Page.

Julia Mongeau: Julia was born and raised in Melrose, MA and is a proud graduate of Bates College in Lewiston, ME. She got the running bug from her father, Peter, and had the privilege of seeing him run the Boston Marathon for Samaritans in 2013 and 2014. Her family is dedicated to Samaritans and the work that they do, demonstrated in their annual participation in the 5K Run/Walk. She is honored to run the marathon this year in memory of her Aunt Kathy. Julia never knew Kathy, but knows her aunts, uncles and cousins feel her loss every day. Julia hopes to help Samaritans break the stigma associated with suicide and help them continue to offer lifesaving services to those in need. She also sees this as an opportunity to continue to spread messages of love and solidarity through her fundraising and training. To learn more about Julia or make a donation towards her goal, visit her CrowdRise Page.

Help the team reach their collective goal of $165,000 for our life saving services:

Thanks to the John Hancock Boston Marathon Non-Profit, this is the 10th consecutive year that Samaritans will have a team running the 26.2 miles.

Introducing, Meghan Mazurowski!

A recent graduate of Northeastern University, Meghan is very

excited to start work at Samaritans as the Development and Database Coordinator! Originally from Maryland, Meghan developed a strong interest in health in high school through volunteer work at several Baltimore area hospitals. Through internships with Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the National Advocates for Pregnant Women, Meghan solidified that interest as a passion for public health, particularly mental health. In her role as Development and Database Coordinator, Meghan hopes to combine this passion with her organizational skills and eye for detail to help support the vital role in our community that Samaritans plays. Outside of work, Meghan enjoys eating her way through Boston, walking dogs at the MSPCA, and reading. Meghan is thrilled to join Samaritans!

Upcoming Events

January

Come join us at Live Long and Rock On- A Benefit Concert for Samaritans: Friday January 13, 5-11 PM, Saturday January 14, 5-11 PM, Sunday January 15, 4-9 PM at VFW Hall Post 2498, 20 Junction St, Needham MA 02492. Tickets: $5 for students, $10 for seniors, $15 for adults. Tickets are sold at the door only, cash or check. For more information Plugged In Band.
Celtics -Shamrock Foundation 50/50 Raffle on January 16, 5:30-9:30 PM at TD Garden, 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114. Join Marathon Team members selling raffle tickets during the Hornets game. Samaritans and Team members receive 50% of ticket sales.
Marathon Fundraising Event in Loving Memory of Joann Coppola Trull, hosted by Andrea Mendes on January 26 at 7 PM- Tewksbury Country Club, 1880 Main St., Tewksbury, MA 01876
Remember your loved one at the Annual Memorial. Contact Grief Support Services Manager Emily Britt if you would like to add something to this year's program or program book - Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 3-5PM Unitarian Universalist Church (630 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington MA 02456). A social hour will follow the program to build upon the community of support we have created at Samaritans.

February

Samaritans: You are not Alone documentary will be shown on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017at 7pm at the Dover Middle School in New Hampshire. This event is a partnership with Seacoast Pathways, Willow's Run, Connor's Climb Foundation, NAMI NH, AFSP NH and Change Direction NH. For more information visit their website.
Grief Support Services Training: February 18, 19, & 25 - to find out more about joining this training and the GSS team, contact Emily Britt.

April

Come cheer for the Samaritans' Marathon Team on Marathon Monday, April 17, 2017 at Mile 17. Contact Max Bukowiec for details.

May

Mark your calendars for the Breakfast for Hope - Thursday, May 11th, 7am at The Westin Copley Place.

Open Positions

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