When Tampa's Chief of Police has something to say, people listen. Jane Castor has built a reputation for working side by side with citizens, neighborhood leaders, activists and business owners to solve crime problems and improve our community.

Chief Castor's speech to over 400 community leaders at the Cup of Compassion breakfast was a candid account of some of the crisis and tragedy she had experienced in over 30 years of service as a police officer. She talked about a woman she visited as a young patrol officer who had been sexually assaulted by a stranger in her apartment complex; and a friendly police officer known as "Big Jake" who took his own life after quietly struggling for years with depression.

In telling these emotionally charged stories, she was making the point that the Crisis Center is there to provide a specialized type of help that law enforcement and other organizations are not able to provide.

Near the end of her speech Chief Castor stated, "What the Crisis Center provides is invaluable, but it is not free. Simultaneously recovering the evidence needed to take rapists off the street, while restoring the victim's dignity and providing much needed comfort - all in one fell swoop. Having individuals who have been trained in crisis intervention and suicide prevention available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to prevent the Big Jake's of the world from leaving us too early. They even have a veteran working a hotline so veterans calling will hear a familiar voice, one that can empathize with their plight. The safety net for individuals and families that are doing all they can to stay afloat, but are constantly pulled under is called the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay."

The Crisis Center is able to provide that safety net because of people like you, who are willing to share their time, talent and treasure to help ensure that no one in our community has to face crisis alone.

If you're interested in getting involved with the Crisis Center, you can learn more by attending a lunchtime tour. Learn more about tours by clicking HERE.