Center for Suicide Awareness: Comprehensive Company Profile

Background

The Center for Suicide Awareness, established in 2014, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing suicide through proactive education, training, emotional support, collaboration, and intervention. Its mission is to provide compassionate, readily accessible, barrier-free, and sustained support for individuals and entities in need, while striving to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health issues.

Key Strategic Focus

The Center's strategic focus encompasses several core objectives:

• Education and Training: Conducting workshops and training sessions to equip individuals and organizations with the skills necessary to recognize and respond to signs of suicidal ideation.

• Emotional Support Services: Operating the HOPELINE™ text service, offering free, 24/7 emotional support to individuals in crisis.

• Community Engagement: Organizing events such as community walks and the Empty Shoe Memorial™ to raise awareness and foster community involvement in suicide prevention efforts.

• Specialized Programs: Implementing initiatives like "I Challenge You to 22" to address veteran suicides and providing resilience training for first responders.

These efforts are primarily targeted at communities across Wisconsin, with certain programs extending their reach nationally.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Center for Suicide Awareness relies on contributions and program service revenue to fund its operations. In the fiscal year ending December 2023, the organization reported:

• Total Revenue: $368,418

• Total Expenses: $367,248

• Net Assets: $193,470

The majority of the revenue (94.7%) was derived from contributions, with the remainder from program services. Notably, key personnel, including Executive Director Barbara Bigalke, did not receive compensation during this period.

Pipeline Development

The Center has developed and implemented several key programs:

• HOPELINE™: Launched in 2014, this text-based emotional support service has actively rescued over 160 individuals and continues to provide immediate assistance to those in need.

• Community Walks: Since 2010, the Center has organized nine walks across Wisconsin to raise awareness and foster community support for suicide prevention.

• Resilience Training: Staff trained at the FBI Academy offer resilience training to first responders, focusing on stress management and suicide intervention techniques.

• Empty Shoe Memorial™: An annual event at the Wisconsin State Capitol, displaying shoes to represent individuals lost to suicide, aiming to raise public awareness.

Technological Platform and Innovation

The Center leverages technology to enhance its outreach and support services:

• HOPELINE™: A text-based platform providing 24/7 emotional support, allowing individuals to connect with trained crisis counselors via text message.

• Digital Engagement: Utilizing social media and online platforms to disseminate information, promote events, and engage with the community.

Leadership Team

The Center is led by a dedicated team of professionals:

• Barbara Bigalke: Founder and Executive Director, with extensive experience in mental health and crisis intervention.

• Kathy Salm IV: President, contributing to strategic planning and organizational leadership.

• Karen Salm: Secretary, overseeing administrative functions and governance.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The suicide prevention sector is characterized by a growing demand for mental health services, increased public awareness, and the integration of technology in support services. Organizations are focusing on expanding access to resources, developing innovative intervention methods, and fostering community engagement.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the suicide prevention landscape include:

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP): A leading organization investing significantly in research, education, and advocacy, with a recent $7.6 million investment in research initiatives.

• Suicide Prevention And Crisis Service Inc: Provides crisis intervention and support services, reporting revenues of $7,038,278 in 2023, indicating substantial operational capacity.

• Suicide Prevention Services: Offers a range of programs including crisis intervention and education, with revenues of $614,417 in 2023, reflecting a strong community presence.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The Center for Suicide Awareness has established partnerships to enhance its impact:

• Community Organizations: Collaborates with over 180 organizations to provide suicide prevention training and resources.

• Video Game Industry: Engages with the gaming community to offer support and raise awareness about mental health issues.

• First Responders: Provides specialized training in stress management and resilience to first responders, aiming to reduce occupational stress and prevent suicide.

Operational Insights

The Center's strategic considerations include:

• Community-Centric Approach: Focusing on grassroots initiatives to build strong community support networks.

• Technology Integration: Utilizing digital platforms like HOPELINE™ to provide accessible support services.

• Specialized Training: Offering tailored programs for specific groups such as veterans and first responders to address unique challenges.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, the Center aims to:

• Expand HOPELINE™ Services: Enhance the reach and capabilities of the text-based support service to assist more individuals nationwide.

• Develop New Programs: Create initiatives targeting emerging mental health challenges and underserved populations.

• Strengthen Partnerships: Forge new collaborations with organizations and industries to broaden the impact of suicide prevention efforts.

Contact Information

• Website: centerforsuicideawareness.org

• Social Media:

• Facebook: Center for Suicide Awareness

• Twitter: @C4SuicideAware

• Instagram: @centerforsuicideawareness

For immediate assistance, individuals are encouraged to text "HOPELINE" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.