“I think connection is really the antidote to hopelessness,” Executive Director of Crisis Support Services (CSS) of Alameda County, Narges Zohoury Dillon said. “And in moments where it’s easy to feel hopeless because of our mental health challenges or because of suffering that we are witnessing in our communities or the world, it is easy to want to isolate.” CSS recently partnered with Felton Institute, providing vital outreach and support to the community and individuals experiencing mental health challenges, as well as suicide awareness and prevention services. Most notably, both organizations field calls from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a nationwide hotline for those experiencing a mental health crisis. The 24/7 hotline responds to calls, chats, and texts for anyone experiencing suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, connecting those in need with trained crisis counselors. “It is truly connection that moves this work forward,” Zohoury Dillon said.
Founded in 1966 in a church basement at an undisclosed location in Berkeley, California, Crisis Support Services of Alameda County provides educational resources, suicide prevention services, therapy groups, and more. “Historically, the work of suicide prevention was really hidden in many communities,” Zohoury Dillon explained. Nearly 60 years later, however, “we are together moving toward a society where we can talk about these things because we know that most people have at some point been impacted by suicide loss in their extended networks.” CSS shares similarities with Felton’s San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP) that began in 1962 in the basement of a tattoo parlor in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.
The partnership between Felton Institute and CSS bridges over half a century’s worth of experience, expertise, and compassion that reflects the community it serves. “California crisis centers have always collaborated to ensure that we’re serving all Californians who are experiencing a mental health crisis, having a suicidal moment, or trying to support a loved one,” Zohoury Dillon explained, adding, “the partnership has really intensified and become a lot more intentional since the start of 988.”
Zohoury Dillon reflected on community and connection to all who engage with CSS. “When we think about the very existence of crisis lines, it’s about connection. So being able to provide a caring connection to someone … that’s going to get us through this.”
To learn more about Felton Institute’s San Francisco Suicide Prevention (SFSP), visit the SFSP Website or reach out to our supportive staff during standard 9 AM – 5 PM Monday to Friday business hours at sfsuicide@felton.org.
For crisis situations, you can reach us 24/7 through our crisis hotline and textline services, or by calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services to transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our award-winning programs, which have been recognized as national models, combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve.
Founded in 1889, Felton is the oldest secular non-profit social services provider in the City and County of San Francisco. We have expanded our services across most Bay Area counties and continue to be at the forefront of pioneering new approaches to meet the emerging needs of underserved populations.
We know what it looks like to successfully build community.
We foster impactful change by strengthening the community as a premiere service provider. We also strengthen other service providers by supporting them in their fiscal, human resources, communications, IT and overall agency operations. With Felton’s support, they are able to focus on providing the best services to their clients, doing the work they were meant to do.
Felton empowers the community and ensures successful outcomes to all we engage with.
Felton Institute is a tax-exempt organization registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 94-1156530.