We're pleased to make our 2010 annual report available to people who want to know more about our work. The four-page report highlights program accomplishments for the year, as well as financial information. There's also a message from the executive director, which is reprinted below.

Executive Director's Message

       Many people don’t know what crisis center is. “We operate 24-hour hotlines,” I begin.
       “Oh?” the person says. “Who calls and why?”
       “Lots of people call,” I say, “for lots of different reasons. They tell us their problems and we validate what they’re feeling, then help them get to a safe place emotionally and, if necessary, physically.”
       “You mean people who are suicidal?”
       “Yes, or people who are abused, depressed, grieving, mentally ill.”
       “Who answers the calls?”
       "Professional staff,” I say, “and highly-trained volunteers.”
       The person thinks about this, then says, “Sounds like a tough job.”
       “It is,” I say. “They’re amazing people.”
       “All work is by phone?”
       “No," I say, "we provide face-to-face services, too. Like grief counseling.”
       “Why do people need grief counseling? When my parents died, I dealt with it on my own. I didn’t talk with anyone.”
       “All of us grieve differently,” I say, “and many people find it helps to talk about their feelings with someone who listens.”
       “They sound kind of weak.”
       “Actually, it’s a sign of strength to ask for help. People suffer alone and in silence when they don’t need to.”
       Long pause. “Anything else?”
       “We have a youth services program,” I say. “Through classroom presentations, on-campus support groups, and community workshops, we talk with students about issues they’re facing—bullying, cyber-bullying, cutting, even suicide.”
       “Kids today are crazy.”
       “Not crazy, just trying to cope the way we were at their age. We talk about these subjects with parents, teachers, and other adults, too.”
       “I don’t have kids, and I’m not in crisis. Do you have any services for me?”
       “You bet,” I say. “211.”
       “211? What’s that?”
       “211 is the national, toll-free, three-digit phone number to call for information about local health and social services.”
       “You mean where someone can go for free food or shelter?”
       “Yes, or medical care, financial assistance, legal aide, transportation. We’re the 211 provider in Contra Costa.”
       “I’m starting to understand,” the person says. “Who pays for all this?”
       I smile. “People like you. People who believe that these services are important.”
       “They sound important. I’ll think about donating.”
       “Thank you,” I say. “Here’s our annual report. It has a donation envelope.”
       “OK. Well, keep up the good work.”
       I nod. “We’ll do our best.”