American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Out of the Darkness Walks
Donate Now
Print this page
If you are in crisis Call 1-800-273-TALK

Survivor Outreach Program

After a suicide, those left behind often:

  • wonder if there is anyone out there that understands
  • need local resources for support
  • want reliable information about suicide and its aftermath, but aren't sure where to find it

Through AFSP's Survivor Outreach Program, trained local volunteers are on hand to:

  • meet in person with newly-bereaved survivors and their families
  • listen with compassion and offer reassurance that surviving a suicide loss is possible
  • recommend helpful things to read
  • provide information about support groups and other local resources

A sympathetic ear and a helping hand. Most survivors who have met others who have also experienced suicide loss can attest to the power of this shared connection. It is often a fellow survivor who can recommend a book, connect someone to a support group or another resource, or simply provide reassurance.

 How do I request an outreach visit? Simply contact your local AFSP Survivor Outreach Program Coordinator. (See list below.) You'll be asked about your particular loss in order to match your request to a team of two trained volunteer survivors.  Soon after, one of the members of the outreach team will contact you to schedule the visit at a convenient and comfortable location of your choice. The visit generally lasts about an hour.

I know someone who is newly bereaved. Can I request an outreach visit for this person? Please feel free to contact your your local AFSP Survivor Outreach Program Coordinator for more information about the program and share that information with anyone who needs it.  But please understand that AFSP volunteers are only able to meet with bereaved families and friends who have personally requested a visit.

Is this a counseling service? No, this is not a mental health or counseling service. Outreach volunteers can provide information to the newly bereaved on how to find a qualified mental health professional.

Interested in volunteering to make visits? Please read this Information for Volunteer Applicants.
If you have received a visit and would like to share your feedback, click here.


Directory of Survivor Outreach Program Coordinators

Currently, the Survivor Outreach Program is available in the following areas. AFSP is working hard to expand this program to as many local Chapters as possible. If you don't see your area listed, please email survivingusicideloss@afsp.org or call 212-363-3500, ext 33. We may be able to help you arrange a visit-by-phone with our Outreach Program volunteers.

CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles
: Lisa Downs, Volunteer
(818) 400-2674, lisamdtn@yahoo.com

San Francisco Bay Area: Martha Mantei, Volunteer
(925) 462-6866, mhmantei@yahoo.com

CONNECTICUT
Southern CT (Fairfield County):
Diane Saslow
(203) 380-0020, dlsco@aol.com

CT (Counties other than Fairfield): Kimberly Gleason, Division Director
1-800-979-AFSP (2377), kgleason@afsp.org

FLORIDA
FL Southeast:
Lorie F. Simmons, Area Director
(561) 392-7877, lsimmons@afspflse.org

GA
GA Metro Atlanta Area:
Chris Owens, Area Director
(404) 374-5197, cowens@afsp.org

ILLINOIS: Jodi Smith-Cohen, Volunteer
(847) 869-0200, jodismithcohen@yahoo.com

MASSACHUSETTS
Greater Boston Area:
Kimberly Gleason, Division Director
1-800-979-AFSP (2377), kgleason@afsp.org

Western MA: Mary Pat McMahon, Volunteer
(617) 439-0940, marypatm@comcast.net

MICHIGAN
Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor:
Laura Edwards, Volunteer
(810) 229-4266, survivoroutreachMI@gmail.com

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Kimberly Gleason, Division Director
1-800-979-AFSP (2377), kgleason@afsp.org

NEW YORK
Capital Region:
Marianne Reid, Volunteer
(518) 899-0021, mariannereid@hotmail.com

Central NY: Debra Graham, Volunteer macdag0153@aol.com

Hudson Valley: Lisa Murray, Volunteer
(845) 758-6272, lisamurray2222@yahoo.com

Long Island: Dale Camhi, Regional Director
(516) 869-4215, dcamhi@afsp.org

New York City: Meredith Henning, Area Director
(718) 388-8649, mhenning@afsp.org

Westchester: Nan Winchell, Volunteer
(845) 661-4338, chinadoll16@comcast.net

Western NY: Renae Carapella, Area Coordinator
(585) 202-2783, rcarapella@afsp.org

PENNSYLVANIA
Greater Philadelphia:
Jennifer DiMarco, Volunteer
(610) 220-0488, jc.dimarco@verizon.net

VERMONT: Linda Livendale, Volunteer
(802) 272-6564, ljlivendale@yahoo.com

© 2010 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. All rights reserved.
Web Design & Web Development by GlobalCloud®