Every Conversation
Counts
A campaign to create a world without suicide,
where everyone has someone to talk to
You can help us ensure everyone has someone to talk to by supporting Samaritans.
Together We Can
Reach More People.
Partner across Massachusetts to prevent suicide
We partner with nonprofit organizations and local leaders to develop suicide prevention strategies that meet the unique needs of high-risk and marginalized communities, including:
- Young people
- Black and Latinx communities
- LGBTQ+ people
- Certain professions, like veterinarians, professional truck drivers, and construction workers.
Enhance services and reduce barriers so we can answer the call for all who reach out
Every day, hundreds of people reach out to us for compassionate support, and we are ready to listen, 24/7. As awareness grows for the 988 National Suicide Crisis Lifeline, we must grow our capacity so we can “answer the call” for all who reach out – day or night.
Meet with and support survivors immediately following a suicide
Suicide loss survivors are at higher risk of suicide themselves, yet they often do not have access for help until years after their loss. Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) is a collaboration between first responders and trained suicide loss survivor volunteers to offer resources and support to people who have recently experienced a loss to suicide. Through this work, we can link suicide loss survivors to support as soon as possible.
You Can Help Us Improve
Through Innovation.
Hey Sam
Hey Sam provides peer-to-peer support via text for teens and young people up to 24 years old.
Enhanced Outreach Initiative
Reach out proactively to individuals during the initial high-risk days following psychiatric hospitalization or emergency department visits.
Advocacy
Drive change and influence policy on key suicide prevention and mental health issues.
Survivors of Suicide Attempts (SOSA)
Provide support groups co-facilitated by an attempt survivor and clinician, creating a non-judgmental space to share experiences and help participants cope with suicidal thoughts.
Your Support Can Strengthen
Our Team & Impact
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Strengthen the diversity of staff, board, and volunteers for greater equity and inclusion.
Infrastructure
Improve, increase, and update IT, fiscal, and human resource capacities.
Marketing
Build and execute marketing and communications strategy.
Help Us Reach our $26M Goal
And ensure everyone has someone to talk to.
Ongoing Program and Support Services (over 5 years)
$16M
New Programs and Initiatives
$5M
Endowment
$5M
Total Campaign Goal
$26M
Ways to Give
Campaign Leadership
Please reach out to Janet or Rebecca with any questions, to hear more information, or to discuss a gift or pledge for the Every Conversation Counts campaign.
Janet Lawn
Chief Campaign Officer
Rebecca Allen
Leadership Gifts Officer
Kathleen C. Marchi joined Samaritans in December 2019. Kathy’s relationship with the organization began years before while living in Newton, when several teens in town took their own lives and Samaritans was there to support and educate those left behind.
Kathy led Samaritans growth through the pandemic, expanding programs, budget, and staff. She brings over 30 years of leadership, advancement, and management skills from positions at MIT Sloan School of Management, Newton Public Schools, and The Genesis Foundation for Children.
Campaign Cabinet
Debbie Connolly, co-chair
David D’Orlando, co-chair
Brenda Bancel
Stéphane Bancel
Thomas Bartlett
Retired, American Tower
Marc Bellanger
Julie Callaghan
Kevin Callaghan
Berkshire Partners
Kay D'Orlando
Samantha Joseph
Director of ADL’s New England Region
Doug Murphy
Jeanine Murphy
Ann Marie Oliver
Board Secretary; Atlas Bar
Lisa Sarno
Acadia Healthcare