State Farm Makes Contribution to Survivors of Suicide (SOS)

Alexander Brown, an agent for State Farm insurance, recently donated $1,180 to help fund the Survivors of Suicide (SOS) group in memory of a relative. His generosity was matched by State Farm. Brown presented the contribution check recently at a Grassroots gathering attended by members of the SOS group. Attending were (from l.) Jackie McLaughlin, who lost her son, Kevin; SOS Coordinator Amanda Ganoe, who lost her father, Dale; Melissa Amen, who lost her brother Connor; and Erin and Michael McLaughlin, sister and father of Kevin McLaughlin.

SOS, co-facilitated by two suicide survivors, is a confidential support group that provides a safe place for survivors to share their thoughts, feeling and experiences related to the loss of a loved one to suicide. The group meets twice a month. Registration is required. Contact SOS coordinator Amanda Ganoe, amanda@grassrootscrisis.org for more information or to register.

About Grassroots

Grassroots provides the county’s only emergency shelter and 24-hour crisis intervention services. Professional crisis counselors staff Grassroots’ 24-hour hotline; see walk-in clients in need of immediate counseling; and operate the Mobile Crisis Team, which responds with the police to community emergencies. Grassroots also manages the county's emergency shelter for men, women and families who are homeless and serves as the single point of entry for the Coordinated System of Homeless Services. In addition, Grassroots operates the Day Resource Center in the Leola Dorsey Community Resource Center and manages the Cold Weather Shelter during the winter months. For information, visit www.grassrootscrisis.org