FirstLink

🌟Director Spotlight🌟

This week, we want to turn your attention to another one of our vital Directors - Jeremy!

Jeremy is FirstLink’s Development Director, although he first joined the team in 2018 as a Community Resource Specialist. Over the next several years, Jeremy became a certified instructor for ASIST and Mental Health First Aid - and can still be found facilitating trainings! In 2022, during a period of tremendous growth at FirstLink, he joined FirstLink’s leadership team as a Director.

Jeremy is passionate about mental health and has been personally affected by su***de loss. When asked about FirstLink, Jeremy said he is grateful to be a part of our mission to provide help and hope to those in need, with the goal to prevent another family from experiencing the loss he and his loved ones endured.

When not in the office, you may spot Jeremy exploring local parks or hiking trails. If he can’t get outside, he loves to read while cuddling with his lucky black cat, Zeta!

Of course, we would be remiss not to mention Jeremy’s phenomenal dancing skills as he’s often shimmying and shaking as he makes his way around our office- thank you for being such a light to us all, Jeremy!

On ***dePreventionDay, and every day, we recognize the widespread impact of su***de and the importance of taking action. By spreading awareness, combating stigma, and supporting each other, we can help reduce su***de rates around the world. If you or someone you know is in crisis, remember that help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8, or chatting into 988lifeline.org/chat.

Share a lifeline. Be a lifeline.

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🧡 Today is 988 Day 🧡

Your mental health matters, and help is just a call or text away. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is here to provide support.

You don't have to face it alone. Reach out—whether it's for you, a friend or a loved one. Call or text 988. https://www.hhs.nd.gov/988

Mark your calendars for September 8th—the first annual !

Join us in a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and mental health support. Learn more and see how you can get involved at samhsa.gov/988Day.

Together, we can make a difference! 🌟

🌟 Happy Labor Day! 🌟

Today, we celebrate the dedication and hard work of all workers, especially our incredible Call Specialists. Your compassion and resilience in helping others during their toughest times are truly inspiring. 💙

To our amazing team at FirstLink, thank you for making a profound difference every day. Your commitment ensures no one faces their struggles alone.

Remember, our lines are open 24/7. We’re here for you.

Today marks the start of ***dePreventionMonth, and we want you to know that help is always available.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or know someone who is, please reach out to the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline, proudly answered by FirstLink. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with someone who’s ready to listen and support you.

Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone—there’s always someone who cares and wants to help. Your well-being is important, and support is just a call or click away 💙

August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day. We want to take this opportunity to remind you that support and resources are always available when you call FirstLink. We are proud to serve our community as the "first link" to resources! You can reach us 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1 or texting your zip code to 898-211. Our directory (the same one our Call Specialists use!) is also available online at myfirstlink.org—just make sure you click into "Search For Resources" 🔎

✨Community Feature✨

Last Friday, members of team FirstLink participated in a special well-being session with artist Anne Labovitz Art, who will have an exhibit on display at the Plains Art Museum beginning this upcoming fall.

Anne’s work often challenges themes of isolation and disconnection by activating color and light, and her latest piece beautifully reflects this. Anne's process involves asking insightful interview questions that allow her to craft a unique art piece.

Swipe through the photos to see how our stories have been transformed into something truly special.

Thank you to Anne for this inspiring and meaningful experience! 💙🙌

📚✨ As the back-to-school season begins, it’s important to remember that support is always available, 24/7. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline is here for you.

📞 Call or text 988 for confidential support anytime, day or night. 💬 Prefer chatting? Visit 988lifeline.org/chat for online help.

Take care of your mental health as you navigate this busy time. Remember, you’re never alone—reach out for support whenever you need it. Hope is on the line 💙

🌟 Team Highlight 🌟

Meet the Community Outreach Team at FirstLink!

Members of this team have a focus on building connections with the community! This is done through trainings, booths, and more 💙

Aaliyah has been at FirstLink for over a year but recently joined this team as the Communications Coordinator. She enjoys reading, writing, walking outside, being with friends, and hanging out with her dogs, Live and Miri. Aaliyah finds working at FirstLink incredibly fulfilling and looks forward to continuing to engage with the community through work!

Dallas, who has been here for nearly two years, is FirstLink's Community Education Coordinator and thrives in this role. In their free time, Dallas enjoys spending time with their cats, Frog and Toad, and participating in one of their many hobbies - some of which include cross-stitching, collaging, and being outdoors. Their favorite part of conducting trainings is seeing the excitement and dedication of community members to create su***de safer communities.

Ellie has been at FirstLink for over two years and is our Training & Outreach Specialist! Some of their favorite activities are listening to audiobooks, partaking in anything creative, and spending time with friends as well as their partner. Ellie's favorite aspect of their job is being able to work at our booth events. They find this is a great chance to connect with the community - plus, they're just a lot of fun!

📅 Save the Date! 📅

In just over two weeks, the ND Su***de Prevention Coalition will hold their 7th annual conference. This event is set to take place on September 5th in Bismarck, ND.

This impactful event is FREE to attend, with lunch and CEUs provided at no cost! 🍽️🎓

We’re excited to have Executive Director, Jennifer, and Operations Director, Ashley, from FirstLink in attendance to support this crucial cause. Let’s come together to make a difference! 💙

Make sure to register at the following link: https://firstlink.regfox.com/north-dakota-su***de-prevention-coalition-2024-annual-conference

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✨Community Feature✨

A huge thank you to the Cass County Electric Cooperative for their generous grant! 🙌 Thanks to their support, FirstLink upgraded our access control system at the contact center. This improvement enhances our day-to-day operations and boosts staff security, allowing us to serve our community even better.

We’re grateful for their commitment to helping us strengthen our infrastructure and improve our services. Together, we’re making a safer, more efficient environment for all! 💙

With back-to-school season upon us, FirstLink wanted to send out a reminder that our 211 Information & Referral Helpline is available 24/7 💙 our massive directory contains information on how to access clothing, food pantries, hygiene items, and many other resources.

Don't feel like calling in? Simply text your zip-code to 898-211 to get started today! Our directory is also available for the public to use at any time and can be found at the following link: https://bit.ly/46rA2vw

We are delighted to announce two FREE Applied Su***de Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) workshops coming to North Dakota on August 27th-28th! 🌟 Join us in Bismarck or Fargo for these impactful sessions, offered at no cost thanks to a partnership with ND HOPES.

Make sure you register for the ASIST of your choice at the following link: https://myfirstlink.org/trainings/

FirstLink had a busy weekend participating in Fargo-Moorhead Pride events! 🌈

On Saturday, we attended and had a great time! Our booth was fully stocked with goodies and had an interactive prize wheel.

On Sunday, we walked in the . This was another fun event for our team to take part in!

Both of these were fantastic opportunities for FirstLink to connect with members of the community. We are already looking forward to next year!

Remember that support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 9-8-8. Support can also be reached via chat by visiting 988lifeline.org/chat. Want to reach LGBTQIA+ specific services? Select Option 3 when calling in, text "PRIDE" to 988, or select LGBTQI+ in the pre-chat survey.

🌟Director Spotlight 🌟

This week, we want to focus on introducing another one of our invaluable Directors - Ashley!

Ashley is the Helpline Director for FirstLink. She is passionate about helping others and has spent the better part of the past 15 years working in the education and human service fields. She has worked with various nonprofit organizations and has been devoted to making a difference by serving her community in many ways.

Ashley is a strong advocate for mental health. Her family has been affected by addiction as well as su***de attempts, so she feels strongly about being able to positively touch the lives of those who have also been impacted by these and other mental health struggles. She was actually a volunteer for FirstLink while attending college around 2006!

In her free time, Ashley loves spending time with her family and being outdoors. She and her husband, Rick, have been together for almost fifteen years and have been blessed with three children.

The day has come! 🍦

Don't forget to come out to FirstLink's parking lot this afternoon to enjoy ice cream from Cosmic Treats - the truck will be here from 4-5PM.

We hope to see you there!

FirstLink is looking forward to attending the second annual Cookout for Connor event, created and held by Enough With The Stigma 💙

This event will be held August 10th, from 11AM-2PM at 3020 51st Street South in Fargo, ND (Urban Plains Park - Shelter B), and is open to the public. Everyone is welcome to join in supporting mental health awareness and su***de prevention efforts.

If you or a loved one are in need of support, dial 988 to text or call, or chat into 988lifeline.org/chat.

Hope is on the line.

📞 Feeling overwhelmed?

We're here to help! 🌟 Dial 988, or chat 988lifeline.org/chat anytime to connect with compassionate Call Specialists who understand and care. Your mental health is important to us, and we're committed to providing immediate support whenever you need it. Don't hesitate to reach out – you're not alone in this journey. Let's talk and find the support you deserve. Together, we can make a difference.

Hope is on the line 💙

FirstLink is expanding our part-time team! We are looking for passionate Call Specialists with evening and weekend availability to join our next training group. This is an urgent call for those seeking an exciting and rewarding career. At FirstLink, you will make a lasting impact in the lives of others every day by answering the 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline and 211 Information & Referral Helpline.

Visit https://firstlink.isolvedhire.com/jobs/ to apply today and get in on the August training group 💙

Current Career Opportunities at FirstLink See current career opportunities that are available at FirstLink

🌟Team Highlight 🌟

Meet the Care & Support Team at FirstLink!

FirstLink's Care & Support Program is here to support the emotional and physical safety of its participants. Participants are referred by the phone lines that FirstLink answers and by partnering hospitals, clinics, and organizations. Our team can make calls weekly, biweekly, or monthly to check in and offer extra support and resources in their local area. Another way our team provides ongoing contact is through encouraging texts and Caring Cards sent to those that would like to receive them.

Some activities that members of the Care & Support Team enjoy are weightlifting, being outdoors, swimming, connecting with friends, going out to the lakes and spending time with pets!

When asked what they value about their roles at FirstLink, this compassionate team noted that being able to provide ongoing support is important to them.

🍦Save the Date! 🍦

Team FirstLink will be hosting Cosmic Treats in our parking lot one week from today! This event is open to the public, and we invite you to join us.

We hope to see you there! Feel free to share the post with those who might be interested in attending.

🌍🤝 Happy International Friendship Day from FirstLink! 🤝🌍

As we celebrate International Friendship Day today, we're reminded of the invaluable connections that enrich our lives. Sharing cherished moments with friends brings meaning and warmth to your journey together.

Tag a friend in the comments and share what makes your friendship special. Let's spread joy and celebrate the bonds that bring us together!

✨Community Feature✨

FirstLink heard the call for support from Emergency Food Pantry and decided to hold an employee food drive. The food drive ran for just over two weeks, and during that time staff members brought in a variety of items!

Today, FirstLink delivered the goods and was also given a tour of the facility, led by the Executive Director of the organization, Stacie - who also happens to be the former Helpline Director at FirstLink! It was great to hear from Stacie about their mission, as well as the impact they have had and continue to have every day.

Together, FirstLink raised 110 pounds of donated goods!

Did you know that today is National Intern Day?

FirstLink offers both paid and unpaid internships. Thanks to internships, FirstLink has had the pleasure of working with a variety of dedicated students - some that have gone on to continue regular employment with us!

To celebrate the day, FirstLink took some time to speak with current and former interns. Read on to find out what they had to say 👇

"Previously unsure about assisting individuals struggling with suicidal tho9ughts, I now feel increasingly confident, thanks to my daily experiences at FirstLink."

"From day one, I have felt genuinely appreciated and cared for at FirstLink."

"Reflecting on my experiences interning at FirstLink, I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions I made as a student and a human."

"It can't be underestimated that empathy saves lives, really...it's always heartwarming when you can tell the caller is in a better mood and sees their situation from a new perspective."

"I look forward to making a difference, one phone call at a time."

To find out more about becoming an intern at FirstLink, make sure you visit our website: https://myfirstlink.org/

Happy International Self-Care Day from FirstLink!

Today, we're celebrating the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

If ever you need support, remember that we are here for you 24/7 - whether you're feeling overwhelmed, in crisis, or simply need someone to talk to.

Dial 988 (to call or text!) or visit https://988lifeline.org/chat/ to chat for mental health crisis support. Dial 211 for community services and resources, including a listening ear. To text 211, just send your zip code to 898-211.

On this special day, remember to prioritize yourself. Self-care isn't selfish—it's essential. Take a moment to breathe, recharge, and reach out if you need support. Your well-being matters!

How do you practice self-care? Let us know in the comments below!