New Calendars to Keep Track of AFSP Long Island's Happenings!
|
|
We have created two new calendars, which are posted on our chapter website, to help volunteers and supporters keep track of all our upcoming activities, programs, and events!
Our new AFSP Long Island Events Calendar includes information about upcoming public AFSP educational programs, chapter fundraising events, as well as team fundraising events. If your team is planning a fundraising event to raise money for AFSP Long Island, we want to feature it on this calendar! Please reach out to Katie with more information about your event by sending her an email at kdeitz@afsp.org. The link to this calendar can be found on the main page of our chapter website, so check in periodically to see new events near you!
Our new Volunteer Opportunities Calendar includes information about upcoming volunteer opportunities with AFSP Long Island with links to sign-up! This calendar link can also be found on the chapter website! For questions about volunteering with the chapter, please send an email to afsplongisland@gmail.com.
|
|
Featured Program:
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention
Talk Saves Lives is AFSP’s standardized, 45-60 minute education program that provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what they can do in their communities to save lives.
Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.
Topics covered include:
- Scope of the Problem: The latest data on suicide in the U.S. and worldwide
- Research: Information from research on what causes people to consider suicide, as well as health, historical, and environmental factors that put individuals at risk
- Prevention: An understanding of the protective factors that lower suicide risk, and strategies for managing mental health and being proactive about self-care
- What You Can Do: Guidance on warning signs and behaviors to look for, and how to get help for someone in a suicidal crisis
There is also a Talk Saves Lives adaptation for the workplace. This program is a great opportunity to start the conversation about mental health in the workplace. If you'd like to bring a Talk Saves Lives presentation to your workplace or community, please reach out to our Programs Manager, Katie at kdeitz@afsp.org
|
|
Upcoming Public Programs This Month: |
|
Interested in becoming a trained presenter for AFSP programs? Contact our Programs Manager, Katie Deitz, to find out more about getting trained: kdeitz@afsp.org |
|
We offer several free programs for suicide prevention, suitable for your workplace, school, faith-based center, health group, and more. Please fill out our Program Request Form to bring one of these free programs to your community! |
|
|
|
Meet Our Volunteer Coordinator:
Katrina Zendrian
|
|
Katrina has been volunteering with AFSP since February 2022. Since that time, she has become the Volunteer Coordinator for our chapter and helps with getting new volunteers onboarded. In January 2024, she was elected to the Board for AFSP Long Island.
Katrina has a social work background and is passionate about mental health and mental health awareness. Katrina notes that seeing the impact at each of the events drives her to keep volunteering for AFSP.
Fun facts about Katrina: She loves to cook and bake! She looks forward to making a new breakfast creation each Sunday morning!
|
|
|
|
Want to get more involved with AFSP Long Island?
We have a wide variety of ways to get involved! Learn more about volunteering with us: |
|
Questions about volunteering? Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Katrina Zendrain, at afsplongisland@gmail.com. Ready to get involved? Fill out a volunteer application today to get started: |
|
|
|
Fundraising Spotlight: Hoops for Hope
|
|
In 2023, while he was still in middle school, Harold Teller wrote an essay about teen suicide, something he had been reading about, and something he wanted to try and do something about. His essay focused on wanting to organize a fundraiser to raise awareness for this very important health issue, and it described how he felt it could help teens who might be struggling to understand that they are not alone and that there were resources available. With the help of his basketball coach and his mother, Harold was able to make his vision come to life and for the for the past 2 years he has organized a 3v3 basketball tournament to raise funds for the Long Island Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. His efforts have enabled him to raise almost $13,000 for the Long Island Chapter! He plans to continue this tournament annually and is working with us to expand its reach and include more community members. We are honored to work with Harold and so proud of his efforts, which have been recognized locally by news stations, local publications and even a state senator!
Way to go, Harold! |
|
|
|
Fundraising Tip/Idea of the Month:
Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive |
|
Spring cleaning means closet cleanouts- time to get rid of those old clothes you haven't worn in years! Create an account with FUNDrive and encourage your friends and family to clean out their closets. Collect the bags of gently used clothing and household items and FUNDrive will buy the items from you and donate directly to our non-profit. An easy way to fundraise for your team while also getting some spring cleaning done! |
|
Have a different fundraising idea but need some assistance getting started? Reach out to Carrie, our Special Events Manager, for support at caronson@afsp.org Planning a fundraiser for your team and want it highlighted in our newsletter, social media, or posted on our upcoming events calendar? Let us know! Reach out to Katie, our Programs Manager, with more info about your event at kdeitz@afsp.org |
|
Click on each event image to learn more/register for event! |
|
Suffolk County Community College Campus Walk
Saturday, April 20th
SCCC Ammerman Campus, Selden
Registration: 9:00 AM
Event Time: 10:00 AM
Walk is a 3 mile loop around the campus starting at the Veterans Plaza behind the Babylon Student Center! Open to everyone in the community, not just SCCC students! |
|
|
|
Hike for Hope
Sunday, May 19th
Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park
Registration: 9:00 AM
Event time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to join us for our newest Spring event: Hike for Hope! You will have the choice of hiking either a 3 mile or 5 mile trail to raise funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. All ages and abilities are welcome!
|
|
|
|
Pups & Peeps Dog Walk
Saturday, June 22nd
Sands Point Preserve, Sands Point
Registration: 9:00 AM
Event time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Pups and Peeps Loop the Trails Dog Walk began in 2017 in loving memory of Port Washington resident Flavio Barbosa and has grown into a community event raising awareness and funds for mental health education and suicide prevention efforts. Leash up your pups and join us to prevent suicide!
|
|
|
|
Want to stay up-to-date with AFSP LI? Follow us on social media! |
|
|
|
|
