Last year, Crisis Services took more than 102,000 calls from Erie County residents, providing safety, help and hope for people when they were most in need of empathy and compassion. Additionally, over 850 survivors of domestic and sexual violence received support at local hospitals from Crisis Services’ advocates.
“Crisis response knows no demographic,” says Candice Fletcher-Pacheco, development and marketing director for Crisis Services. “We will all experience crisis in our lifetime, and Crisis Services has stood for 57 years as a safe beacon of light in tough times for all people.”
As the county’s only 24-hour crisis center and community resource, the importance of the agency’s work comes into focus during September’s Suicide Prevention Month.
“Our mission is rooted in suicide prevention. It’s at the core of what we do,” explains Fletcher-Pacheco. “Our founding name back in 1968 was ‘Suicide Prevention and Crisis Services.’ Over time, we grew to encompass a number of comprehensive interventions around crisis response, including advocacy for victims of domestic and sexual violence and mobile outreach services.”
During the month of September, Crisis Services partners with the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Erie County to provide training opportunities on suicide prevention, understanding the signs of someone in crisis and spreading the word about the community-wide resources available. The programs also aim to reduce the stigma of asking for help.
“It’s about empowering residents,” says Fletcher-Pacheco. “It’s important to understand there are tangible, practical ways people can perceive the threat of suicide and connect people in their circles with lifesaving supports.”
Programs and training opportunities, some that take as little as an hour, are available online.
To support Crisis Services’ 24-hour operations and crisis first responders, who provide critical, unduplicated, life-saving services to Erie County, the agency relies in part on the generosity of community members through its signature fundraising event, “Men Who Cook.” This year’s event will be held Thursday, Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. at the Admiral Room at The Marin (237 Main St., Buffalo).
The long-standing event began decades ago and featured a cooking competition with amateur and professional chefs. It has since evolved into a showcase of culinary delights from restaurants across the region.
In addition to tasting stations with featured chefs, the popular fundraiser includes live entertainment, basket raffles and an online auction, allowing attendees to bid from their phones.
“For as serious a topic as suicide prevention is, this event is truly a celebration of survivorship and hope that people look forward to every year,” says Fletcher-Pacheco. “Whether you’re a food lover or simply looking for a fun night out, it’s a great opportunity to support a good cause and learn more about Crisis Services’ incredible community impact.”
Individual, couples and table ticket options are available. Tickets include valet parking.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 998 or 716-834-3131, or use the crisis chat line weekdays from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
