FirstLink’s 4th Annual Breakfast

Posted on May 3, 2012 by FirstLink

Bright and early Wednesday morning we enjoyed our 4th Annual Breakfast at the Holiday Inn here in Fargo. It was so great to see all the people who attended and learned new or more information about FirstLink’s services to the community. The theme this year was on our suicide support services.

Thank you to Angie for all the hard work and sweat in planning and bringing it all together. Also, thank you to all the staff and board members for their help and support making this breakfast one of our best yet. We cannot wait for next year!

Another thank you goes out to all of the sponsors for FirstLink’s Annual Breakfast! We appreciate your generosity. Our sponsors this year were:

  • Alerus Financial
  • Bremer Bank
  • Cass County Electric Cooperative
  • Choice Financial
  • Dakota Medical Foundation
  • Dave’s West Fargo Tire
  • FM Area Association of Realtors
  • IdeaOne
  • Kennelly and O’Keeffe
  • Knife River, an MDU Resources Company
  • Mid-States Wireless
  • National Muffler
  • Network Center Communications
  • Nichelson Oil
  • Park Company Realtors
  • Prairie St John’s
  • Robert Gibb and Sons Incorporated
  • Valley News Live
  • Wallwork Truck Center
  • Warner and Company

Below are a few pictures from the event. Visit our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/myfirstlink for many more pictures!

The table settings.Getting ready to start the event.

Attendance was great!

The wonderful breakfast.

Posted in FirstLink, Suicide Awareness | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Hope Village Needs Your Help

Posted on April 23, 2012 by FirstLink

With the arrival of spring, also comes the arrival of many volunteers to the Minot area to assist those who are rebuilding their homes. You may have heard by now about Hope Village, an inter-faith effort led by Lutheran Disaster Response that will provide housing, dining and restroom facilities for volunteers from out of the area or state. 

They are in need of people who are willing to serve meals and help in the dining area assisting the cooks, 2-3 people for each shift for breakfast and dinner. 

  • The kitchen is located at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 3705 11th Street SW in Minot. 
  • The shifts are 6:30-8:30 am and 5:30-7:30 pm Monday- Friday, starting this week  and continuing through the summer. 
  • They ask that volunteers be at least 16 years of age or older due to serving hot foods.
  • Volunteers need to wear a hat and report to the dining tent at the far east side of the church parking lot. (They ask that the kitchen help please refrain from parking in the spaces closet to the sidewalk as these are used by the church for their Daycare parents.)

Hope Village needs your help.

They are in need of people willing to serve and to help spread the word. Please consider getting the word out to those who may be able to help.

 You can either email Lisa Brown at localvolunteers@hopevillagend.org  or call her at 701-389-0996.

Posted in Volunteering | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

FirstLink: Volunteer Appreciation and Baby Boomer Challenge

Posted on April 18, 2012 by FirstLink

Nonprofits around the country have a huge hurdle to jump in the coming year. Now I know what you are thinking, “every nonprofit is different!” That is true, but what do they have in common? -Volunteers.

The Baby Boomers are soon to be hitting retirement. And more retirees mean more volunteers. This is exciting stuff! Who doesn’t want more volunteers?

Volunteers are vital to nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Think about it, how else could a nonprofit survive without help? At FirstLink, we recognized the importance of wonderful volunteers to depend on.

To show our appreciation we would like to invite all Fargo Moorhead community volunteers to spend a night at the RedHawks. FirstLink and the RedHawks are teaming up for a Community Volunteer Appreciation Night on Wednesday May 30th, with the first pitch at 7:02 pm.

Discounted seats are priced at $5 for reserved, $4 for 3rd base line, and $3 for general admission. All you have to do is mention “volunteer” or if ordering online, type “volunteer” in the promotion code box and you will receive a reduced ticket price.

Tickets can be purchased at the RedHawks Box Office, online, or by phone. Regular ticket fees are still applicable. Discounts will not be available the night of the game, so order your tickets in advanced.

According to an article in Getinvolved.com, one in every three baby boomers volunteered for a formal nonprofit in 2005. Let’s challenge the largest population group in American history to more volunteering. I would like to challenge this statistic, and raise awareness of the opportunities to help out. If you know of someone who would like to volunteer, please contact our offices or visit online at www.myfirstlink.org.

http://www.getinvolved.gov/newsroom/programs/factsheet_boomers.asp

Blog by Laura R., FirstLink’s Volunteer Management Intern

Posted in FirstLink, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FirstLink Suicide Outreach Program in Schools

Posted on February 9, 2012 by FirstLink

             The Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2009 showed that 22.6% of area 8th graders have seriously considered suicide. Since 1996 FirstLink has been working to assure that students who are thinking about suicide know where to get help. In 2011 FirstLink’s Suicide Education Outreach program educated 1,930 area students on myths about suicide, warning signs that someone may be thinking of suicide, and how to get help. All students were given a FirstLink business card with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number and a bookmark donated by The Jason Foundation local affiliate that lists warning signs of suicide. At the end of class, students wrote down questions or comments about suicide. During this time, they had the option to write down their name if they’d like to meet with a school counselor. Many students at risk of suicide or concerned about a friend were connected to school counselors through FirstLink’s presentations. Teachers have already started scheduling suicide education presentations for their spring classes.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

FirstLink: Year End Call Data

Posted on January 27, 2012 by FirstLink

From a statistical standpoint for FirstLink, we had an amazing last year, which coincides with the amazing year we have had with in our other areas. In 2011, we took almost 40,000 calls, which is 10,000 more than in 2007. So, in four short years our calls have significantly increased. In that same period of time, the number of suicide calls that FirstLink has taken have tripled.

Some other statistics that may be of interest:

  • There was at least 1 call taken from every county in ND.
  • Information and referral calls totaled more than 50% of the total calls

Thank you to all of our supporters that made this work possible!

Posted in FirstLink, Phone Data | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rewarding Nonprofit Job

Posted on January 22, 2012 by FirstLink

FirstLink is seeking a Full Time Volunteer Center Specialist / Call Specialist.  This position will provide program support for all Volunteer Center programs and will assist with answering FirstLink’s telephone services.

FirstLink’s Volunteer Center connects people with opportunities to serve, promotes volunteerism, builds capacity for effective local volunteering, and participates in strategic initiatives to meet local needs. Applicants must demonstrate experience and passion for volunteerism, positive and professional attitude, strong computer skills, and ability to coordinate and plan volunteer related events.

This is a full time position primarily working Monday through Friday business day hours.  The position will be open until filled.  Benefits include life insurance, long-term disability, health, vision, and dental.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and application to sheilab@myfirstlink.org or FirstLink Attn: Sheila, PO Box 447, Fargo, ND 58107-0447.

Visit FirstLink Opportunities at www.myfirstlink.org to download the application.

Posted in FirstLink, Flood, Uncategorized, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Looking for a rewarding job? FirstLink is accepting applications!

Posted on December 22, 2011 by FirstLink

Visit FirstLink Opportunities at www.myfirstlink.org to download the application for all FirstLink employment (including Part Time and Full Time).

FirstLink is seeking a Full Time Volunteer Center Specialist / Call Specialist.  This position will provide program support for all Volunteer Center programs and will assist with answering FirstLink’s 2-1-1 Helpline and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.   

FirstLink’s Volunteer Center connects people with opportunities to serve, promotes volunteerism, builds capacity for effective local volunteering, and participates in strategic initiatives to meet local needs. Applicants must demonstrate expertise and passion for volunteerism, positive and professional attitude, strong computer skills, and ability to coordinate and plan volunteer related events.     

This is a full time position primarily working Monday through Friday business day hours.  This person will be on-call 24 hours a day for 7 days every seventh week and specific holidays each year.  Starting salary is $24,000 – $26,000 DOE.  The position will be open until filled.

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and the application (found below) to sheilab@myfirstlink.org or FirstLink Attn: Sheila, PO Box 447, Fargo, ND 58107-0447. 

 

Part Time Call Specialists are needed for FirstLink 24-hour 2-1-1 Helpline and Suicide Lifeline.  Responsibilities include answering phones and providing information & referral, listening & support, and crisis intervention services.    Applicants must be available for evening and rotating  weekend, overnight, and holiday shifts.  Paid training is provided and will begin in January.    All positions are open until filled. 

To apply send a cover letter, resume, and application (found below) by December 15 to staciel@myfirstlink.org  or FirstLink Attn: Stacie PO Box 447 Fargo, ND 58107-0447. 

     

Information and Crisis Services Internship Opportunities

FirstLink offers internships to college students in a number of different fields including social work, human development, psychology, and marketing.

 Interns in the Information and Crisis Services Program will be assigned projects that extend learning beyond their coursework.  Interns will provide direct service to clients by answering the 24-hour helpline/suicide line.  Interns are trained to answer information and referral, listening and support, and crisis intervention calls on FirstLink’s 24-hour helpline (235-SEEK) and Suicide Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK). Interns will gain valuable knowledge and skills in the human services field. 

Following are a list of benefits of the internship program:

Gain crisis intervention skills

Expand your knowledge of community resources

Build your communication skills

Work with a variety of people

Participate in a professional training program 

To apply please contact the Training and Education Coordinator at the Administrative Office at 701-293-6462 or ashleyl@myfirstlink.org.   

Posted in FirstLink, Flood, Volunteering | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

FirstLink: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline answers 3 millionth call

Posted on October 18, 2011 by FirstLink

Through its national network of 150 crisis centers, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK/8255), provided help and hope to its 3 millionth caller as of the first week in October. Since its inception in 2005, the Lifeline has seen a steady increase in calls and now answers more than 2,200 calls per day. The Lifeline, which is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), uses advanced technology that links callers to a trained counselor closest to their location to provide confidential 24/7 crisis support.

FirstLink is the only crisis center in North Dakota to answer this lifeline.  FirstLink is proud to be a part of such an amazing network and appreciates all of your support to make it possible!

If you or anyone you know is feeling suicidal, please call 1-800-273-TALK/8255. 

If you would like to learn more about FirstLink, please visit our website at www.myfirstlink.org.

Posted in FirstLink, Suicide Awareness | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

FirstLink 2-1-1 Training

Posted on October 3, 2011 by FirstLink
About FirstLink’s 2-1-1 Helpline   In need of help, but not sure who to ask?  FirstLink’s 2-1-1 Helpline (just dial 2-1-1) is a simple, easy to remember, free number that connects callers to information about health and human services.  2-1-1 (or 701-235-7335) callers in North Dakota and Clay County, Minnesota will be connected to the FirstLink helpline, 211which provides confidential listening and support in addition to information and referral.  2-1-1 offers Active Military member support, Veteran support and Military Family member support.

FirstLink call specialists are also trained in crisis intervention, including suicide intervention. FirstLink is proud to offer these services and appreciates your support and assistance in fulfilling our mission to assist people in identifying, accessing, and making effective use of community and volunteer resources.
How Can FirstLink 2-1-1 Help You?
Find out more by attending a 2-1-1 training below.  They are geared toward educating the public about the 2-1-1 services and to foster partnerships with agencies, city governments, businesses, schools, law enforcement, grass root groups, and community members and leaders.
Training Details
Grand Forks
Tuesday, Oct. 4th @ 1 PM
Development Homes (3880 S Columbia Rd)
Devils Lake
Wednesday, Oct. 5th @ 9 AM
World War II Memorial Building – Armory Room (524 4th Ave NE)
Minot
Thursday, Oct. 6th @ 11 AM
North Central Human Service Center (1015 S Broadway Suite 18)
Dickinson
Monday, Oct. 10th @ 9 AM
Gate City Bank (204 Sims St.)
Williston
Monday, Oct. 10th @ 4 PM
Williston Library (1302 Davidson Dr.)
Bismarck
Tuesday, Oct. 11th @ 10 AM
Bismark – Mandan Chamber of Commerce (1640 Burnt Boat Dr.)
Wahpeton
Thursday, Nov. 3rd @ 10 AM
Wahpeton Community Center (304 5th St S)
Jamestown
Thursday, Nov. 17th @ 10AM
Ottertail Power Company (315 2nd St NE)
Valley City
Thursday, Nov. 17th @ 2:30PM
Valley City Police Department (216 2nd Ave NE)
**If you are wanting to attend a presentation at any of the locations that are to be announced (TBA), please contact FirstLink’s administrative office when it gets closer to the date of the presentation at 701-293-6462 . Press releases will be sent out as soon as time and locations are finalized.
Posted in FirstLink | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FirstLink: Champion of Change

Posted on September 7, 2011 by FirstLink

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change, part of President Obama’s Winning the Future Across America initiative. The initiative profiles American groups, businesses, and organizations, ranging from educators to veterans to community activists, who are helping the country rise to the challenges of the 21st century.  This week seven organizations were acknowledged for their work in suicide prevention.   The Champions of Change organizations work to save the lives of countless individuals through their programs and efforts.  The crisis centers in the Lifeline network play a key role in preventing suicide, as well as the providing critical expertise that hotline staff members have in suicide risk assessment and crisis intervention.

FirstLink, a nonprofit human service organization, is one of the 150 Crisis Centers in the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network.  FirstLink is the only crisis center in the Lifeline network in North Dakota.  FirstLink answers calls from people who are in emotional distress, having thoughts of suicide, or concerned about someone who might be suicidal.  When a person calls the Lifeline number 1-800-273-8255 (TALK) anywhere in the United States they will be connected to a trained call specialist in the Lifeline network.

This recognition is timely as the National Suicide Prevention Week is September 4 – 10, 2011.  FirstLink will have a suicide prevention display at the Downtown Fargo Library throughout the month of September.  In addition, FirstLink will hold its 11th Annual Walk of Hope on September 10, 2011 as a remembrance to those who have died by suicide. 

If you or someone you know is suicidal contact the Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

Background:

FirstLink’s mission is to assist people in identifying, accessing, and making effective use of community and volunteer resources.

FirstLink’s vision is to be the first link in linking people and resources 24 hours a day.   

FirstLink is private, non-profit human service agency whose programs include a 24 Hour HotLine (2-1-1 or 235-SEEK), Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-Talk), Suicide Education Outreach, Suicide Survivor’s Support Group, Community Training, Volunteer Center, and Giving Tree of Hope.

For more information about the Champion of Change program visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions

Posted in FirstLink, Suicide Awareness | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment