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Annual Report

2022 Annual Report

Michelle McDaniel Headshot Cirlce Oct 2022

Michelle McDaniel
Chief Executive Officer

a note from our CEO

I am pleased to share our 2022 annual report and reflect on our staff and volunteers' incredible impact in supporting those in crisis - and preventing a crisis - across Washington State.

The services and programs of Crisis Connections were needed more than ever in 2022. The last few years have had, and continue to have, a profound effect on our community’s mental health, with increasing numbers of people experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, addiction, and disillusionment. More and more adults and youth who reached out to us for support shared their stories of extreme financial instability, fear of losing their housing, and increased struggle to keep up with rising costs. In a time where immediate compassionate and skilled care is not always available, Crisis Connections stepped up in a big way.

Dear Friends of Crisis Connections,

I am pleased to share our 2022 annual report and reflect on our staff and volunteers' incredible impact in supporting those in crisis - and preventing a crisis - across Washington State.

The services and programs of Crisis Connections were needed more than ever in 2022. The last few years have had, and continue to have, a profound effect on our community's mental health, with increasing numbers of people experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, addiction, and disillusionment. More and more, adults and youth who reached out to us for support shared their stories of extreme financial instability, fear of losing their housing, and increased struggle to keep up with rising costs.

In a time where immediate compassionate and skilled care is not always available, Crisis Connections stepped up in a big way. We launched or expanded several programs in 2022, including the 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline serving King County. 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live in the United States, you can reach trained crisis specialists who can help. Launched in July, our new 988 team has exceeded all expectations with their level of care and positive impact on our community.

To address a significant gap in transportation, our King County 211 program partnered with United Way of America and Lyft and launched the Ride United program. Now those with barriers to transportation can receive a limited number of round-trip Lyft rides to local medical appointments, employment and educational opportunities, legal services, and other essential resources. Our 211 Information & Referral Specialists are experts in helping clients navigate the confusing and complex health & human services system, so having this additional resource available reduces a significant – forgive the pun – roadblock.

Whether it results in attempted or completed suicide or homicide, gun violence is an epidemic across our country. When a tragic school shooting occurred at Ingraham High School in north Seattle in November, our Washington Teen Link program was there to help. For many days following the event, we ramped up by scheduling additional teen volunteers on the helpline to respond to the spike in calls, texts, and chats. Teen Link sent over 100 of our "Where to Turn for Teens" booklets to Ingraham and was called to support students and staff. Both our Teen Link staff and volunteers were dedicated to our mission during this traumatic event, and I am truly grateful.

Thanks to additional funding from our government partners, we expanded the WA Warm Line – our peer support helpline for people with emotional and mental health challenges - from a four-hour daily service in 2020 to 13 hours per day. Peer-to-peer services are a critical part of our crisis prevention model, as calls are answered by specially trained volunteers who have lived experience with mental health challenges. Our Warm Line staff and volunteers inspire those around them with their willingness to share their lived experiences and commitment to making a difference in the lives of our callers.

These are just some of the highlights of our impact in 2022. Since 1964, Crisis Connections has been there to intervene during a crisis, prevent the next crisis and provide support after a crisis has occurred. With you as part of the Crisis Connections community, we will continue to adapt to meet the help lives on the line.

To contact me directly with any questions, you can reach me at mmcdaniel@crisisconnections.org.

With gratitude,


Chief Executive Officer
Crisis Connections

Who We Are

With feedback from 70+ volunteers and staff, we recently updated our mission statement and values.

Strategic Pillars

These strategic initiatives - guided by our mission and values - will shape our work for the next few years. 

Join Us

Even more people can find help whenever they need it if more of us join in, however we can. 

Graphic of top met needs in 2022

I am Crisis Connections

Share Your Words of Affirmation

Your story of hope, help or healing may provide abundant inspiration to someone working through any crisis. Whether it's a kind word, or your testimony, your contribution will be shared with our community.

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    2022 By the Numbers

    Reach Across the State map featuring the counties and regions served by Crisis Connections programs
    Total calls, emails, chats, training participants, and database uses
    Callers helped with emotional and mental health challenges
    People we helped with basic needs resources
    Callers needing support and resources for substance use
    Youth who have reached out for support and resources
    Calls from first responders and professionals seeking support and resources for their clients
    Referrals to lifesaving resources provided to people
    Uses of trusted resource databases for recovery, youth support, and basic needs
    People reached through outreach and education events

    Contributors

    Thank you to our contributors. Each person and organization plays a vital part in helping us ensure no one faces a crisis alone. 

    Help bring better mental health to our community

    Your lived experience, compassion and care can save lives.

    Keep hope, help and healing on the line

    Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes an impact.

    Financials

    Total Revenue $14.33m

    Government Grants  74%
    Other Contracts & Grants  21%
    Contributions  4%
    Program Services Fees  1%
    Interest/Rewards Income  <1%
    In-Kind  <1%

    Volunteer Hours

    Total Expenses $14.19m

    Program  84%
    Administration  13%
    Fundraising  3%

    Crisis Connections is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our federal tax ID number is 91-0773187.

    If you prefer, you can donate online or by sending a check to:
    Crisis Connections
    PO Box 19612
    Seattle, WA 98109

    For questions, please contact us at fundraising@crisisconnections.org

    Crisis Connections in the News

    Helping teens in the Seattle area through loneliness, stress and more
    The Seattle Times, February 2022
    Read More

    Can peer mental health programs bridge access gaps for youth? Experts say it's complicated. 
    The Seattle Times, June 2022
    Read More

    National Suicide Hotline is now 988
    KIRO 7 TV, July 2022
    Read More

    A new crisis hotline, 988, is coming this summer. Is Washington ready? 
    The Seattle Times, April 2022
    Read More

    New 988 Mental Health Hotline opens July 16
    Seattle Met, July 2022
    Read More

    How is the rollout of 988 going in Washington state?
    KUOW, August 2022
    Read More

    Making connections, strengthening bonds between suicide survivors
    Fox 13 Seattle, May 2022
    Read More

    988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline number launches nationwide July 16
    King 5 TV, July 2022
    Read More

    King County youth navigate mental health together at Teen Link
    KUOW, September 2022
    Read More

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