Our Mission Continues
A Message from our Virginia Executive Director
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It's hard to believe that on January 8th, we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the charter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Virginia Chapter. Even harder for me to believe is the fact that I have had the privilege of serving this chapter as Area Director and Executive Director for 7 of those 10 years, having joined the chapter in January of 2018. For me, the time has gone so incredibly quickly and has been filled with amazing experiences and relationships.
As I prepare to transition into a new role with AFSP at the national level, I have been looking back over the last several years to appreciate how far we've come here in Virginia. I'd like to share some of our amazing progress with you: |
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$399K Raised through Community Walks |
$601K Raised through Community Walks |
$692K Raised through Community Walks |
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$20K Raised through Campus Walks |
$50K Raised through Campus Walks |
$90K Raised through Campus Walks |
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48 Programs/Educational Events Held |
214 Programs/Educational Events Held |
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825 Programs/Educational Event Participants |
34,755 Programs/Educational Event Participants |
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It is only through the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of our volunteers that we've been able to bring suicide prevention to the forefront in Virginia, advocate for public policy that is smart about mental health, and provide education, resources, and loss support throughout the commonwealth.
Whether you've walked with us, sponsored and event, donated, or volunteered over the last 10 years, I sincerely thank you for your contribution. We are excited about our future and are finalizing the search for a new Executive Director. I hope you'll join us for our next era, as we continue to grow our mission in new and exciting ways!
With great hope and appreciation, |
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Kathe Goller
Virginia Executive Director |
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At Work in Our Communities
Hope for the Holidays in Stephens City
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One of the things we love the most about our volunteers is that they show up to spread HOPE in their communities far beyond our major walks and programs. Our Stephens City crew was busy earlier this month spreading Hope for the Holidays in their area, hosting a spirit night at Paladin Bar & Grill in Stephens City on a Friday night, and then walking in the Middletown Christmas Parade the following Sunday. By being present in our communities for special events and gatherings, we're taking every opportunity we can find to let Virginians know that HOPE LIVES HERE all year long. |
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Volunteer Spotlight
Montana Tarpley
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Name: Montana TarpleyCity: DanvilleBead Color: Purple
Montana became involved with AFSP because she wanted to be a part of a foundation that supports mental health initiatives around suicide and to provide protection for at risk communities. She recently participated in our Danville Out of the Darkness Walk and served as host for
an International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day event. In addition to volunteering with AFSP, Montana loves to sing.
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Advocacy Corner
2025 Advocacy Action Day
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Suicide is a leading cause of death nationwide and the 11th cause of death in Virginia. Join our Advocacy Action Day on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 to speak with public officials and advocate for better suicide prevention and mental health policies. |
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Each year, AFSP Chapters across the country host Advocacy Action Day events (formerly known as State Capitol Days) to bring advocates like me and state officials together to talk about how we can work together to prevent suicide and increase access to mental health care. Our advocacy can and does save lives, and anyone can make a difference. |
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REGISTRATION DEADLINE 1/13/25 |
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Out of the Darkness Walks
Fall 2024 community walks remain open for donations until December 31st. Spring campus walks have begun to open for registration.
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2025 Virginia Chapter Campus Walks
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Registration is now open for many campuses.
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Christopher Newport University
afsp.org/cnu - Coming Soon!
Date TBD
James Madison University
afsp.org/jmu
Sunday, April 6, 2025
Liberty University
afsp.org/liberty - Coming Soon!
Date TBD
Longwood University
afsp.org/longwood
Saturday, March 22, 2025
Old Dominion University
afsp.org/odu - Coming Soon!
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Radford University
afsp.org/radfordu
Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
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Shenandoah University
afsp.org/su
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Virginia Commonwealth University
afsp.org/vcu
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Virginia Tech
afsp.org/vt
Sunday, May 4, 2025
College of William & Mary
afsp.org/wm
Saturday, April 12, 2025
University of Virginia
afsp.org/uva - Coming Soon!
Sunday, April 13, 2025 |
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For a complete list of Campus Out of the Darkness Walks that have opened for registration, please click here. |
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2024 Virginia Chapter Community Walks
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
We hope you'll join us!
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Hope for the Holidays - A Volunteer Interest Meeting (Northern Neck)
Monay, Dec. 16th 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Northumberland Public Library
Register Here
Join us on December 16th at the Northumberland Public Library from 6PM to 8PM for "Hope for the Holidays," a meeting for those interested in learning more about American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Virginia Chapter and about opportunities to volunteer to help us save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. |
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Registration is requested for planning purposes, but not required. We look forward to an evening of community, resources, and holiday cheer! |
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Talk Saves Lives (Virtual)
Wednesday, Jan. 15th, 7:00PM - 8:00PM
Register Here
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s 60-minute flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it. |
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Advocacy Action Day (In Person - Richmond)
SAVE THE DATE - January 22nd!
Register Here
Suicide is a leading cause of death nationwide and the 11th cause of death in Virginia. Join our Advocacy Action Day on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 to speak with public officials and advocate for better suicide prevention and mental health policies.
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Talk Saves Lives Seniors (Virtual)
Saturday, Jan. 25th, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Register Here
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s 60-minute flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it. |
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Talk Saves Lives (Virtual)
Tuesday, Feb. 4th, 12:00PM - 1:00PM
Register Here
Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is AFSP’s 60-minute flagship suicide prevention education program that covers the scope of this leading cause of death, what the research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it. |
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L.E.T.S. Saves Lives (Virtual)
Sat., Feb. 15th, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Register Here
L.E.T.S. (listening, empathy, trust, support) Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities is a presentation created by and for Black people, designed to reduce cultural stigma, foster conversations about mental health, and raise awareness of suicide prevention for individuals who identify as Black or African American. The program is grounded in research and delivered by trained presenters from the Black and African American community. |
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Suicide Bereavement Support Group Facilitator Training (Virtual)
Feb. 24th-26th, 9:30AM - 1:00PM
Register Here
This training is by invitation only, and priority will be given to currently active AFSP Virginia Chapter Volunteers who meet the criteria outlined on the registration page. Please contact Markita Madden at mmadden@afsp.org or (540) 718-2221 to request a registration code. |
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About the Training:
The AFSP Facilitator Training Program offers suicide prevention organizers a way to create and facilitate a community support group for suicide loss survivors in the aftermath of a suicide. Courses are offered as 3-half-day trainings, of up to 36 attendees, and include lecture, interactive discussion, and role-playing. They are led by experts in the field of suicide bereavement.
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AFSP Virginia Chapter
PO Box 333
Midlothian, VA 23113
AFSP Virginia Chapter Board
Chair: Winter Brooks (Stephens City)
Vice Chair: Matthew Austin (Moseley)
President: Dr. Cassie Glenn (Virginia Beach)
Treasurer: Sean Higdon (Broadway)
Secretary: Shannon Sullivan (Ruther Glen)
Briddge (Virginia Beach)
Lorrie Eanes (Danville)
Kevin Long (Bridgewater)
Katherine Martinez (Virginia)
Robert Noriega (Richmond)
Ronald North, Jr. (Waynesboro)
Shirley Ramsey (Glen Allen)
Scott Stevens (Christiansburg)
Carl Trost (Staunton)
AFSP Virginia Programs Manager
Markita Madden, CVAmmadden@afsp.org
AFSP Virginia Special Events ManagerEmily Bacalis, CVAebacalis@afsp.org
AFSP Virginia Executive Director
Kathe Goller, CVA
kgoller@afsp.org
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American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 199 Water Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10038 |
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