The conference for 988 Grantees in Chicago took place from April 30th-May 2nd. Stephanie Kelly (Executive Director) and I (Jessamyn Leeks, Crisis Line Coordinator) were in attendance. We heard from many great speakers including Xavier Becerra (United States Secretary of Heath and Human Services, pictured,) Dr. Tia Dole (Chief 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Officer,) and many, many more. We were read a letter from President Joe Biden who thanked all of us for the tremendous work we do, and were moved by a teenage girl whose life was saved by utilizing 988. In our free time, Stephanie and I went to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and stood off the edge in a glass box. It was a striking analogy for how we serve as a safety net to our callers, offering support and protection in their time of need. We then wrote the numbers 988 to be proudly displayed high above the city. It was a very educational, transformative, and motivational trip that we are proud to have been a part of.
988 Grantee National Conference
