FELTON JUNE & JULY 2021 NEWSLETTER

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Everyone is Welcome at Felton Institute - LGBTQIA+ Pride Flag

SPOTLIGHT

Brad Chapin

Volunteer Coordinator
San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP), Adult Division

While somewhat reticent to talk about himself, volunteer coordinator Brad Chapin passionately shares his vision for how society could be more inclusive. 

"If I don't fight for my life and freedom to be who we are and embrace that, then what exactly is the point?" Brad says about helping his callers. "At the point of suicidal breakdown or mental crisis, one must decide how they are going to live their authentic life. And there may be no other option but to come out."

At San Francisco Suicide Prevention, Chapin trains and supervises 150 volunteers to answer phones to people in suicidal crisis. "Brad's strength-based leadership instills in our volunteers the confidence to weather the uncertainty of our Crisis Line. I feel lucky to call him a coworker," said Megan W., SFSP Program Assistant.

Felton's Deaf Community Counseling (DCCS) Program Re-Opening

Felton DCCS Re-Opened July 1st

Felton Institute's Deaf Community Counseling Services (DCCS) re-opened July 1 and while COVID-19 restrictions are removed, Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSA) still wants mental health professionals to continue to be cautious. We will still wear face coverings and practice physical distancing. We have transparent masks that we can give to you because we know how communication through facial expressions is important to us!

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MAY 2021

Featured Articles

Beyond Sensitivity Training: Felton & LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

Despite progress in dismantling discrimination against LGBTQIA+ people, mental health professionals and advocates still acknowledge the need to advocate for this population and promote their access to quality services. According to mental health professionals, the mental healthcare community needs to do better.

Providing Support, and Educating about HIV: SFSP's HIV Nightline

Learning about possible exposure to HIV or considering telling a partner or family about sexual activity creates high anxiety. Founded in 1989 and initially only a nightline because callers felt safest reaching out in the wee hours, the HIV Nightline now receives calls around the clock and responds to over 15,000 calls annually.

Felton and You
Ombudsman Volunteers Find Community through Advocacy

In the backroom of a tree-lined bistro in San Francisco's vibrant Castro District, a group embraces, laughs, and swaps amusing anecdotes. At first glance, you may guess these folks are a collection of old friends, but in reality, they are Felton Institute's Long-Term Care Ombudsman volunteers. It is the official day of California's reopening after the COVID-19 pandemic, and they have gathered to celebrate their triumphs in the community.

Felton Institute Long-Term Care Ombudsman Volunteers

SAVE THE DATE

Laughs For Life 2021

Laughs for Life, September 9th 2021. Hybrid Virtual & Live Comedy Event benefiting San Francisco Suicide Prevention

Laughs For Life returns for an evening of comedic relief and fundraising on Thursday, September 9, from 5 to 7:30 pm in San Francisco. This hybrid event benefitting San Francisco Suicide Prevention includes a virtual and in-person happy hour, games, and a live show featuring stand-up comedy, burlesque, and musical acts.

All proceeds from the event will benefit San Francisco Suicide Prevention, allowing us to continue to offer all our services for free to the community. 

For sponsorship and donation information, please get in touch with giving@felton.org.

More details and tickets coming soon...