24/7 Crisis Line
Crisis Line Closed as of April 30, 2019
Dear Friends of CFS:
Today we sadly share the news with you that the Third Level Crisis Hotline, ably serving northern Michigan since 1971 with crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and information and referral, will be cease operations on April 30, 2019.
The times are changing for small crisis units like ours. Companies based far from our community but spreading around the country with large volume operations that can do the same work for less (though they cannot replicate the local presence), are appealing to our former contractors. We will be exploring the possibilities for change in the months to come because we believe that the history and expertise of Third Level can still be beneficial to many people.
For now, we thank our past partners for a good run, and we hope for a smooth transition to other providers for those who know to call Third Level when times are hard. The current Crisis Unit staff, as well as the rest of team over the years both paid and volunteer, have done a very difficult job with compassion and grace. Please thank them and give them a pat on the back when you see them.
We want to assure you that the energy and expertise that Third Level brings to crisis work in our communities is not going away. CFS will continue to operate our Third Level Youth Services program and Pete’s Place, our shelter for runaway and homeless youth. We will also expand our work to train communities around our region in crisis intervention and suicide prevention, and we are committed to our partnership with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (CMH) to provide crisis support to children and families through their FAST program.
The Free Legal Aid Clinic, provided in conjunction with Legal Services of Northern Michigan and the Grand Traverse/Leelanau Bar Association, will continue every Tuesday evening here on Veterans Drive. And we plan to continue to provide some level of after-hours on call or administrative support to a select number of partners. We will be working with many of those partners to determine the logistics of our transition and will update you and the larger community soon.
In the meantime, 211 is up and running in the five county Grand Traverse area and can be accessed for many immediate needs.
Thank you for your support of the Third Level Crisis Intervention Center, and for your continued support of all the important work of CFS.
Sincerely,
Gina Aranki, Executive Director
February 2019
The Third Level Crisis Line answered 30,000 calls annually
Real Estate One is a major supporter throughout the years of Third Level progamming
Thank you to the Third Level Crisis Unit employees and volunteers who have served members of our community during their darkest times of need.
A Few Words from Mickie Jannazzo, Third Level Services Director
Third Level Crisis and Youth Services Director Mickie Jannazzo has dedicated most of her professional life to the Crisis Hotline.
“It has been my honor to participate in the work to meet the crisis needs of the people in the greater Grand Traverse region for nearly 34 years. I am in awe of the resilience, fortitude, and perseverance shown by our callers as they have grappled with anxiety, depression, suicide thoughts, relationship troubles, life-changing traumatic events, worries about loved ones, and challenges in meeting their basic needs. I have been blessed to know the many talented and dedicated crisis workers who have helped folks along their journeys to crisis resolution and wellness. I have been privileged to work alongside the first responders and medical and community agency staff who partnered with us to keep people safer from suicide and helped to ready them for the next steps on their paths."
“While it breaks my heart to see the end of our community crisis center, I am encouraged by the fact that Third Level’s Youth Services will remain in operation; that people in the region can call 211 for information and referral services; that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline remains available to them for crises; and that the Community Mental Health agencies in the region will continue to provide services for those experiencing behavioral health emergencies.”
