Palouse Regional Crisis Line

[Stephen H Bonnar <piratesteve@juno.com>]

Hello,

 

I would like to take a moment and introduce myself; my name is Steve Bonnar and I am the executive director of the crisis line.  My full time position was created on October 1, 2001 by consolidating three part time positions.  When I began, the line had only 14 volunteers actively taking calls, had poor visibility in the community, and was on the brink of closing due to severe financial difficulties (the line is covered 24 hours a day, seven days a week). 

 

A new image was created for the line; Hope is Contagious.  There are now 60 plus volunteers involved with the line in a wide variety of capacities.  The budget has been balanced by trimming everything down to the bare minimum and receiving additional funding from the Latah County Community Foundation and Tri State Foundation.  We are supported through yearly grants from Latah County, City of Moscow, City of Pullman, WSU Counseling Center, U. of I. Counseling Center, United Way of Moscow/Latah, United Way of Pullman, Colfax Community Fund, and the ASUI.  We have contracts with the State of Idaho Department of Health & Welfare - Mental Health and Family and Children Services, and with Whitman County Counseling Services.  Funding levels have been decreasing due to budgetary constraints with some of our grantors.

 

I was approached by Phil and Shelley Roderick about the Palouse Regional Crisis Line being the recipient of a benefit that will occur on March 2nd.  Their actions mean a great deal to this organization.  First, it is helping us become more visible in our community.  Second, any additional revenues for our organization will allow for a little bit more breathing room in hopes that we may become healthier and more viable in our community.  I would like to thank Phil for all his effort as a member of our Board of Directors.  Phil was instrumental in helping the line move through the recent reorganization. 

 

Thank you to the board of directors.

Thank you to all the agencies who support us financially.

And most of all, thank you to the volunteers who give of themselves without any expectations.

 

Respectfully,

Steve