There is nothing shameful about suicide or the feelings behind it.
There may be pain, hopelessness, and feelings of isolation; but there never needs to be shame. And with help, there can be hope.
If you are in pain and would like someone to talk to, please call our crisis lines. We’re here to listen.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Samaritan volunteers are here to listen whenever you need someone. You do not need to be suicidal to call.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Samaritan volunteers are here to listen whenever you need someone. You do not need to be suicidal to call.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Samaritan volunteers are here to listen whenever you need someone. You do not need to be suicidal to call.
A Beacon of Hope Event: Honoring 45 years of The Samaritans
on World Suicide Prevention Day
Saturday, September 10th from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Cultural Center of Cape Cod in Yarmouth
Our featured speaker is Kevin Berthia, who shares his own story about how the kindness of a stranger saved his life. Tickets are $45 each, and include hors d’oeuvres, cash bar & live music. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit our event website. If you have additional questions, please contact Maya Dinsmore. We look forward to seeing you there!JOIN US FOR A MEMORIAL RIBBON CEREMONY AND HEALING DRUM CIRCLE
10am to Noon, Saturday, September 10
Hyannis Town Green – Near Main St. at the VFP Hidden Wounds Memorial Monument
ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
The Cape Cod Chapter of Veterans For Peace (VFP) will join with the Cape and Islands Suicide Prevention Coalition (CISPC), and the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands in sponsoring a memorial healing event on September 10 to mark National Suicide Prevention Month. A primary goal of the Cape Cod VFP Chapter is to raise public awareness about the Hidden Wounds of war which so often are associated with PTSD and an unusually high rate of suicide among veterans. The chapter is named in honor of Corporal Jeffrey M. Lucey, a young marine who died by suicide a year after returning from a deployment to Iraq. On Veterans Day 2021, the chapter dedicated a memorial to those individuals and families touched by veteran suicide. The mission of CICPC is to give the Cape Cod and Islands communities the necessary information and tools to raise awareness, promote education, and increase action to reduce suicides. CICPC has over 75 member organizations representing Cape Cod, Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard including schools, mental health and human service agencies, law enforcement, and emergency medical service organizations. Also included are groups representing suicide survivors and communities whose members may be at risk for suicide – youth, the elderly, those with mental health or substance use disorders and individuals and families who have been affected by suicide. The mission of the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is to end suicide by combating risk conditions and easing the impacts of suicidal activity through fostering care, connection, resilience, and public understanding. During its 45 year history, Samaritans has offered assistance to those touched by suicide through its crisis line, outreach and grief support services. This event will include a welcome by representatives of VFP, the CISPC, and Samaritans, followed by the MEMORIAL RIBBON CEREMONY during which participants may come forward to add a ribbon to the line to memorialize a family member, friend or other person who died by suicide. Following the ribbon ceremony, a healing drum circle will be led by Sam Holmstock of Drum Strategies For Healing, who for several years has conducted the “Drumming Through Trauma” sessions at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. This event will end with closing statements by VFP, CICSP and Samareitans, as well as information about resources for receiving help, contributing to this cause, or learning more about this issue. The memorial event will be held rain or shine. Bring lawn chairs and (hopefully not) umbrellas! The event is free and open to the public. CONTACT PERSONS: Duke Ellis wellis3@comcast.net or 508-364-7603
Expert Panel and Community Open Forum
Playing a Role in Suicide Awareness
Thursday, September 29, 2022
5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
Eastham Public Library
190 Samoset Road
Eastham, MA
Are you a parent, teacher, or community member concerned about suicide in our towns? This open forum is designed to share local resources, offer support, and answer questions about what YOU can do around suicide awareness and education.All are welcome to attend. Masks are optional.
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is a non-sectarian organization dedicated to ending suicide by combating suicide risk conditions and easing the impacts of suicidal activity through fostering caring, connection, resilience, and public understanding.
Samaritan volunteers provide non-judgmental active listening to callers in need on our crisis lines, older adults in our Senior Outreach program, survivors in our Safe Place support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide, and suicide attempt survivors through our A Second Chance support program.
As members of the oldest and largest suicide prevention network in the world, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands encourages our community to talk openly about suicide in order to best help and provide hope to those in need.
In the Cape and Islands region, we’re most well-known for our signs posted at the Bourne and Sagamore bridges imploring tourists and locals alike to call our crisis lines if they need to talk. Although our crisis lines are an integral part of our work, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands offers a variety of outreach programs for people in need and educational opportunities for community members eager to learn how to help save lives.
Samaritan volunteers make a difference in the lives of our callers every day – just by picking up the phone. Our volunteers are a fantastic group of people who care. They are not counselors or therapists. They do not diagnose or offer solutions. They simply listen with empathy and compassion to callers who need to hear a friendly, caring voice.
It’s normal when you start thinking about volunteering with the Samaritans to wonder if you’ll be able to do all of this. But don’t worry. We’ll train you extensively in non-judgmental active listening and help you learn the critical skills necessary to be a Samaritan volunteer.
Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do the work we do. Will you help us make a difference?
For more information about volunteering, please contact us at crisisservices@capesamaritans.org
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is a non-sectarian organization dedicated to ending suicide by combating suicide risk conditions and easing the impacts of suicidal activity through fostering caring, connection, resilience, and public understanding.
Samaritan volunteers provide non-judgmental active listening to callers in need on our crisis lines, older adults in our Senior Outreach program, survivors in our Safe Place support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide, and suicide attempt survivors through our A Second Chance support program.
As members of the oldest and largest suicide prevention network in the world, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands encourages our community to talk openly about suicide in order to best help and provide hope to those in need.
In the Cape and Islands region, we’re most well-known for our signs posted at the Bourne and Sagamore bridges imploring tourists and locals alike to call our crisis lines if they need to talk. Although our crisis lines are an integral part of our work, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands offers a variety of outreach programs for people in need and educational opportunities for community members eager to learn how to help save lives.
Samaritan volunteers make a difference in the lives of our callers every day – just by picking up the phone. Our volunteers are a fantastic group of people who care. They are not counselors or therapists. They do not diagnose or offer solutions. They simply listen with empathy and compassion to callers who need to hear a friendly, caring voice.
It’s normal when you start thinking about volunteering with the Samaritans to wonder if you’ll be able to do all of this. But don’t worry. We’ll train you extensively in non-judgmental active listening and help you learn the critical skills necessary to be a Samaritan volunteer.
Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do the work we do. Will you help us make a difference?
For more information about volunteering, please contact us at crisisservices@capesamaritans.org
The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands is a non-sectarian organization dedicated to ending suicide by combating suicide risk conditions and easing the impacts of suicidal activity through fostering caring, connection, resilience, and public understanding.
Samaritan volunteers provide non-judgmental active listening to callers in need on our crisis lines, older adults in our Senior Outreach program, survivors in our Safe Place support groups for those who have lost someone to suicide, and suicide attempt survivors through our A Second Chance support program.
As members of the oldest and largest suicide prevention network in the world, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands encourages our community to talk openly about suicide in order to best help and provide hope to those in need.
In the Cape and Islands region, we’re most well-known for our signs posted at the Bourne and Sagamore bridges imploring tourists and locals alike to call our crisis lines if they need to talk. Although our crisis lines are an integral part of our work, The Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands offers a variety of outreach programs for people in need and educational opportunities for community members eager to learn how to help save lives.
Samaritan volunteers make a difference in the lives of our callers every day – just by picking up the phone. Our volunteers are a fantastic group of people who care. They are not counselors or therapists. They do not diagnose or offer solutions. They simply listen with empathy and compassion to callers who need to hear a friendly, caring voice.
It’s normal when you start thinking about volunteering with the Samaritans to wonder if you’ll be able to do all of this. But don’t worry. We’ll train you extensively in non-judgmental active listening and help you learn the critical skills necessary to be a Samaritan volunteer.
Without our volunteers, we couldn’t do the work we do. Will you help us make a difference?
For more information about volunteering, please contact us at crisisservices@capesamaritans.org
On July 16, 2022, the Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands increased crisis line hours of operation to 24/7/365 and began answering 988 calls.
About 988
- 988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers.
- 988 can be used anytime, anywhere you or a loved one is in emotional distress or having suicidal thoughts.
- Trained call takers, who are not licensed clinicians, are available to provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers. You do not need to be suicidal to call 988.
- With an easy to remember number like 988, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional distress and connect those to services if needed.
- As of July 16, 2022, 988 is available 24/7, 365 days a year.
What to expect when you call 988
- Calls will be routed to our call center based on a caller’s area code.
- All calls will be answered by a highly trained staff or volunteer who will provide compassionate, non-judgmental support.
- Although the number is shorter, it will still connect to the same service which has been available in Massachusetts for many years.
Frequently asked questions
Why is 988 needed?
Suicide prevention is a critical need. Since 2008, suicide has ranked as the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. The adoption of the new three-digit number reflects a commitment to delivering necessary intervention services. The majority of people calling the Lifeline receive the support they need at the call center level. Switching to an easy-to-remember 988 for suicide and crisis intervention will make it easier to access the emotional support they need and decrease the stigma surrounding suicide.Who is 988 for?
Anyone. 988 is for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. It is also for an individual who is worried about a loved one and not sure how to support that person or where to get them help. Lifeline specialists are available to provide free, confidential emotional support to all callers.Is the 1-800-273-8255 Lifeline number going away?
No. Moving to 988 does not mean the 800 number goes away. Dialing either number will get people to the same services, no matter which number they use. In the end, 988 is an easier-to-remember way for people to access a strengthened and expanded network of crisis call centers. The same centers who answer the 800 number will answer 988. Please note that our Samaritans call center numbers are not going away either! We will continue to answer calls to our crisis lines and 988.How will 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program interact?
Increased collaboration between 988, 911, and the Emergency Services Program will provide more options for those in crisis, such as dispatching mobile crisis teams to individuals in mental health, substance use or suicidal crisis rather than police, fire, or EMS. However, when someone is at imminent risk for suicide, meaning that a suicide attempt will occur shortly or is already in progress, 911 will continue to be dispatched in keeping with current best practices.How is 988 different from 211?
Mass211 works to connect callers to a large array of health and human service organizations and providers that are convenient to where they live. This information and referrals are available 24/7/365 in over 150 languages. Mass211 is also home to one of the local Lifeline centers, as such, Mass211 call takers are highly trained to respond to callers experiencing loneliness, isolation, desperation, and potentially suicidal ideation and can provide support for people in suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress in the very moments they need it most.Crisis Line Associate
Part-Time
Minimum 10 hrs/wk
Maximum 20 hrs/wk
Reports To The Crisis Services Associate will report to the Crisis Services Manager. Job Overview The Crisis Line Associate provides support to the Crisis Line program by answering calls for approximately 10-20 hours each week during periods with the least amount of coverage as designated and assigned by Crisis Services Manager with the goal of building Crisis Line response capacity. Responsibilities and Duties The functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.- Answers crisis calls from those who are seeking emotional support including those who may be at risk of suicide
- Adheres to performance measures in attending to call volume
- Thorough and accurate documentation of completed calls
- Participates in staff meetings and supervision, schedule permitting Attend continuing education and training as needed
- Act as Home Leader on a rotating schedule (mentoring and technical assistance for volunteer(s) on shift)
- Allow volunteer trainees to monitor (shadow) when on shift
- Act as On Call staff on a rotating schedule (additional stipend paid)
- 18 years of age or older
- High school graduate or GED equivalent
- Minimum of two years of professional experience preferred
- Previous work as a volunteer preferred
- Experience working on a crisis helpline a plus
- Ability to respect confidentiality
- Ability to be empathetic and engage in active, non-judgmental listening with our users
- Ability to work with sensitive and confidential information
- Must be able to display good, sound judgment
- Must possess strong communication skills
- Ability to resolve conflicts appropriately
- Ability to tolerate different beliefs and opinions
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization
- Some flexibility in working hours
- Must keep time commitments
- Displays willingness to learn
- Ability to accept direction
- Successful completion of the Volunteer Befriender Training and assigned learning shifts on the helpline after hire
- Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor
On-Call Shift Supervisor
Weekday, Evening and Weekend Shifts
Reports To The On-Call Supervisor will report to the Crisis Services Manager. Job Overview The role of the On-Call Supervisor is to ensure successful delivery of services for callers by providing support to Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers as they utilize Samaritans’ specialized method of befriending and following National Suicide Prevention Lifeline/988 protocols and procedures. On-Call Shift Supervisors are experienced in crisis intervention, possess leadership qualities necessary to assist staff and volunteers during varying risk-level situations Responsibilities and Duties The functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Duties and Responsibilities:- Assist Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers while serving on crisis line shifts.
- Provide guidance and instruction to Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers as needed.
- Enter and review data with accuracy to track the effectiveness and impact of crisis line services.
- Provide written follow-up as needed or requested.
- Build and maintain relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals, including supervisors, Crisis Line Associates, Volunteers, emergency services, and behavioral health professionals, among others.
- Employ strong critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems within the parameters of Samaritans’ guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Exercise discretion in handling confidential situations and information.
- Respond to Crisis Line Associate and Volunteer requests for assistance in a timely manner.
- Convey sensitive information in a timely manner to qualified parties.
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively.
- Ability to intervene in crises.
- Maintain composure in high-stress situations.
- Instruct and mentor Crisis Line Associates and Volunteers.
- Be able to multi-task.
- Remain informed on suicide prevention best practices, models, and initiatives.
- Adhere to all Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands policies, procedures, best practices, and those in accordance with our accreditation through the International Council of Helplines, and guidelines from the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Coalition, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
- Other responsibilities as assigned
- Minimum of an Associate’s degree preferred or two years of professional experience in a social service agency, nonprofit, or similar organization.
- Previous experience working on a suicide prevention crisis line, customer service, and/or phone center required.
- High comfort level with technology, including computer and internet skills, smartphones, and integrated systems.
- Experience with the iCarol software system or similar cloud-based database, telephony applications, and Zoom required.
- Attention to detail required.
- Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot in a fast-paced and evolving remote work environment.
- Successful completion of Samaritans Crisis Line
- Remote work with potential for some in-person interaction with staff and colleagues.
- Access to active, high-speed internet service.
- Ability to work remotely in a secure, private space where confidentiality can be maintained.
- Refresher training and regular staff meetings.
- Background and CORI checks
- $21-$22 per hour
- 12 paid holidays (prorated for part-time hours)
- Direct deposit payroll
- Health insurance stipend
- Generous vacation, sick and personal time off Policies
- Opportunity to work from remote location
For more information, email Cheryl Rossi at crossi@capesamaritans.org
WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
CAPE COD LOSS TEAM (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors)
LOSS Team Volunteers:- Meet with those bereaved by suicide in the immediate hours or days following a death to offer support and share community resources.
- Provide a compassionate presence that fosters hope and mitigates the effects of acute trauma.
- Are present with others to provide empathy, normalize grief, and offer hope.
- Are either loss survivors who have done their own grief work or caring individuals who have not experienced a loss to suicide but who have experience in support roles.
- Work with program staff to determine volunteer hours based on their availability.
- Driver’s license
- Background check
- Must be at least 18
- Proximity to Cape service area
- Initial interview and training
TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE, EMAIL MEBRISCOE@CAPESAMARITANS.ORG
PRESS RELEASE
The Cape Cod Foundation has awarded a total of $200,000 through its pilot Comprehensive Capacity Building Grant Program to five, local nonprofit organizations: Calmer Choice, Cotuit Center for the Arts, Cultural Center of Cape Cod, Independence House, and Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands. Each nonprofit will receive $10,000 for immediate general operating support and $30,000 for capacity building project implementation over the course of the innovative two-year program. “These nonprofit organizations impact all areas of community life and are at pivotal growth points. They are working to increase access and expand programs and services to meet community needs, especially in response to the pandemic,” said Kristin O’Malley, President and CEO of The Cape Cod Foundation. “This program is designed to help them assess their capacity building needs, and then plan and implement a pivotal project to address those needs.” O’Malley said the Foundation has partnered with industry expert TSNE Mission Works to conduct a capacity building assessment with each nonprofit and to provide the Foundation with technical assistance throughout program design and implementation. The program also includes a unique peer-learning cohort model to strengthen and leverage their individual and collective impact as they address issues affecting Cape Cod residents. The Executive Directors and Board Chairs from each nonprofit will meet regularly to build relationships, share knowledge, and facilitate collaboration. O’Malley said the entire program is iterative. The exact project each nonprofit undertakes will be based on the organizational assessment and developed by each grantee based on individual input and needs. “The Foundation’s goal is to deepen our partnerships with nonprofit organizations by matching substantial funding with other critical support to achieve greater outcomes,” O’Malley added. Thank you so much to The Cape Cod Foundation for investing in and believing in the work of our organization! The Cape Cod Foundation is a community foundation whose mission is to build permanent charitable resources for community betterment through informed grantmaking and civic leadership. The Foundation has distributed over $90 million in grants and scholarships since its founding in 1989. www.capecodfoundation.org