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• A Letter from Camille Currier, SOSL Board of Directors

Posted on December 26, 2014

Dear Friend of SOSL, 

I am Camille Currier and have had the privilege to serve on the SOSL Board of Directors since March of 2005.  On Thanksgiving Day, 2004, I lost my 22-year-old son to suicide.  I lost my brother to suicide in 1977.

When my son died, as it is for so many of us, it was totally unexpected. My husband, daughter and I felt abandoned and angry. We then experienced all the other stages of grief by losing our loved one so quickly and tragically.  During the holidays, he is particularly on our minds and in our hearts.

Needing a place to put all the energy of still putting pieces together, I was fortunate to find, and then join, SOSL.  I joined the Speakers’ Bureau to share my story. I spoke to over 800 students within high schools and colleges.  I felt if I saved even one life, it was worth my efforts.  I treasure the dozens of cards from students who thanked SOSL and learned from my family’s experience.

I’m writing to you to ask for a donation during this special season.  Mental health has come further to the forefront and is reducing the stigma associated with suicide. Fortunately, there have been great strides made since 1977 when I lost my brother.

SOSL needs your financial help.  In 2014 we had a phenomenal year, and we were able to help thousands of people in our survivor community because of generous donations from people like you. In 2014, we were:

• Recipient of the:
  • Community Choice Award 2014, from Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP)
  • Outstanding Service Award 2014, from the Suicide Prevention Council
  • Innovative Partnership Award from Recovery International
• Held 162 support group meetings in San Diego County – including closed groups, CAHM Forum groups, and private groups held for organizations/families.
• Participated in 37 speaking engagements, including providing 13 suicide prevention trainings (QPR – Question, Persuade, Refer trainings).
• Mailed over 120 SOSL Support Packets of information to newly bereaved survivors.
• Published the print edition of Beyond Surviving: A Compilation of Stories from Survivors of Suicide Loss.
• Distributed our quarterly newsletter Hope & Comfort to over 2000 people each quarter.

• Continue to host a “Virtual Quilt” where survivors can create squares in memory of their lost loved ones.

• Increased the reach of our Facebook Page from just over 400 to over 600 “Likes”!
• Continued to be a partner organization of the San Diego Suicide Prevention

Council (SPC), and serve as members of the Faith Outreach Subcommittee, focusing on educating faith leaders on how to best address mental illness and survivors in their congregation; the Media Subcommittee, focused on educating the media about responsible reporting and best practices; and the Postvention Subcommittee, dedicated to coordinating services for individuals and families who have recently experienced a loss to suicide.

We invite you to help SOSL continue to support our survivor community by making a tax-deductible donation today!  Your contribution will directly impact those affected by suicide loss.  You’re welcome to donate online www.SOSLsd.org, or mail in a donation to: P.O. Box 3297, La Mesa, CA 91944.

From all of us at SOSL, thank you for your ongoing support – and please know that SOSL is here to support you in your healing journey.

Sincerely,

Camille Currier
SOSL Board of Directors

• ← 8th Annual Save A Life Walk, A Success!
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