Dear Friends,
One of the things that struck me this past month is a realization of how connected Third Level is to the community. As the Executive Director, one would think I should know this. During our Week of Giving campaign during the last week of February, I had the opportunity to talk to lots of people who I don't usually see on a regular basis. To get a chance to talk about Third Level and how we fit into the community rather than conversations of a specific nature, was a unique conversation for me. What I heard was surprising.
I was amazed at how well the media knew Third Level. They were able to talk about the history of our agency in ways I had not heard before. They had stories that spoke of past encounters with Third level. They knew first hand about us through some event or interaction in their lives. In speaking with some of the local judges who donated their time to our event, it became clear that they knew of the work Third Level does and how it effects the people they see and what a value we provide to them. I was told stories by others of times when they had called Third Level and the outcome of those calls and how Third Level had made a difference in their lives.
In addition, I was updating a power point presentation about community partners to Third Level when I realized we have over 30 partnering agencies ranging from program implementation to referrals going both ways. In a recent study of mental health professionals, 50% of those who responded stated that we were part of their after hours care. We truly are a community agency.
It was personally gratifying to see how much Third Level is involved in the community. It reassures me that we are meeting our mission, and for that I am grateful.
Thank you,
Ken Homa, Executive Director
Thanks to Shaun Lathrop, an Eagle Scout candidate and a senior at Kingsley High School, Third Level's upstairs hallway is no longer an obstacle course. Shaun chose Third Level as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout project. He planned the project, raised the funds, engineered the installation and provided the crew for the labor. The newly created storage shelves and hanging rod will provide more efficient use of our donations for youth in need. Shaun is also repsonsible for two very nice new adirondak chairs on our front porch. I understand there's already a waiting list to use them. A big warm thank you to Shaun and also to all who had a part in this huge undertaking.
Third Level participated in the St. Francis Peace and Justice Fair on Sunday, March 10 attended by 150-200 people. We enjoyed talking to each of you who stopped by our table, and hope that you went away a bit more informed about Third Level programs and services. Thank you, St. Francis, for inviting us!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
*7 Monks Taproom 128 S. Union, is hosting a fundraiser to benefit Third Level on Thurs., April 11, 5-7pm. They will donate 35% of food sales and match raffle ticket sales. 7 Monks, you rock!! Raffle prizes include a Mackinac Island package ($438 value), a Char-Broil grill ($200 value), one year's worth of lawn fertilization services ($250 value), several 7 Monks packages and many more. Winners will be drawn throughout the event. Raffle tickets can be purchased in advance at 7 Monks. Be sure to join us at 7 Monks on Thurs., April 11, 5pm-7pm for dinner, a beverage and a whole lot of prizes and fun.
COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Third Level has several training opportunities coming up some of which are listed below. We hope you'll take the opportunity to get more information on each of them and take advantage of at least one. You can find more information and register for any of these workshops on our website (www.thirdlevel.org), call 922-4802 or email eblack@thirdlevel.org.
*ASIST WORKSHOP: April 11-12, 8:30-5pm.
This is a two-day workshop for anyone interested in learning the skills to competently and confidently intervene with a person at risk of suicide, including mental health professionals and social workers.
*safeTALK is a half-day suicide prevention workshop for community members with all levels of helping experience and anyone who wants to help prevent suicide. Register by April 29 for the May 3, 9am to 12pm workshop.
*NEEDED: CRISIS UNIT VOLUNTEERS: If you would like to be part of a team of experienced professionals and make a difference.
WAYS TO GIVE TO THIRD LEVEL
*Visit our secure website (www.thirdlevel.org) to make a donation by credit card or PayPal.
*Have dinner and buy raffle tickets at 7 Monks Taproom on Thur., April 11.
*Mail a check directly to Third Level and send it to 1022 E. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49686.
*Make an appointment with Ken Homa, Exec. Director (khoma@thirdleve.org) to discuss our Planned Giving program.
*Call Sandy at 922-4802 or email her at spiotrowski@thirdlevel.org to discuss one of our many levels of golf sponsorships.
*Call or email Sandy to host a house party.
*Call or email Sandy to discuss holding a fundraiser.
*Call Elizabeth at 922-4802 or email her at eblack@thirdlevel.org to discuss our many volunteer opportunities.
From your friends at
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, Inc.
1022 E. Front St.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231/922-4802
