Consulting Interim Executive Director/Executive Director, The Samaritans, Inc. (April 2001 – present)

The Samaritans is RI’s only philanthropic agency exclusively dedicated to suicide prevention.  Programs include Crisis Hotline/Listening Line, Safe Place Support group for adult family/friend let behind by a loved one's suicide, Youth and Teen Education and Community Education.

 

Accomplishments to date: –

·        Successfully coordinated the receipt of a $200,000 Congressional Earmark to fund 5 Year Outcome Measurement Study and Community Outreach Initiative. (November 2008).

·        Since April 2001, provided stewardship in increasing agency base budget from $110,000 to $170,000 and managed more than 150 volunteers.

·        Continue to provide leadership in re-organization including governance, general operating, fund, donor and volunteer development, partnerships with local businesses, program policies, strategic planning, endowment, outcomes evaluation, communications, volunteer management and support. Continue expanding relationship with RI Health and RI E- 911, acute care hospitals and community mental health centers to address crisis and care issues for callers. Continue working with RI HEALTH in presenting new statewide statistics on completed suicides, attempted suicides and related hospitalizations for the general population and minority community.

·        Wrote comprehensive 35-page web site. See www.samaritansri.org.  From Jan. 2004 - June 2008, more than 50,000 visitors have accessed site.

·        Assisted in the coordination of the 25th and 30th Anniversary Events and established/coordinated new annual event "Saving History-Saving Lives" showcasing historic restorations as event venue.