Survivor Outreach Program
After a suicide, those left behind often:
Through AFSP's Survivor Outreach Program, trained local volunteers are on hand to:
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. |
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
