We are hearing so many responses to Saturday’s mass shooting. Tragic. Senseless. Hate-filled. Horrific. They are all true but do not really capture what has happened. The event is so much deeper than our ability to define it in simple terms. Saturday’s shooting is a continuation of the events that have become endemic in American society. Sandy Hook. Ahmaud Arbery. Greenwood. Emanuel AME Church. This message does not have room for all the examples. Saturday’s murders are local but the geography does not define our outrage– and grief. These feelings are especially true for our black and brown colleagues and friends. We recognize that you are impacted by the recent events differently, more personally, and we cannot imagine the feelings and burden you must be carrying.
However, we must do more than have heavy hearts–we must take action. We must mobilize society as a whole to eliminate the racism and hate that is endemic in our communities. As partner agencies, we vow to join together and with others who stand strong against racism, prejudice, bias, or any other belief or behavior that diminishes the inherent worth, potential, and beauty of every human being. This is the foundation of our collective mission and the reason we exist. We believe every person has a unique purpose, deserves equal opportunity and respect, and has distinct greatness.
Sincerely,
James W. Coder, CEO | New Directions Youth & Family Services, Inc. and CEO | New View Alliance
Carolyne DeFranco, CEO | Gateway Longview and President | New View Alliance
Resources
Resources in Response to the Buffalo Supermarket Hate Crime
The recent racially motivated hate crime at the Tops supermarket in Buffalo New York in which the perpetrator targeted a Black community and has expressed white supremacy and anti-Semitic leanings has evoked a range of emotions and concerns of safety across the United States. In response to this event, the National Child Traumatic Stress Network has developed resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. These resources include:
Once I Was Very Very Scared – children’s book for young children
Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing (En Español) (for responders)
Psychological First Aid and Skills for Psychological Recovery
The NCTSN also has resources for responders on Psychological First Aid (PFA; En Español). PFA is an early intervention to support children, adolescents, adults, and families impacted by these types of events. PFA Mobile and the PFA Wallet Card (En Español) provide a quick reminder of the core actions. The PFA online training course is also available on the NCTSN Learning Center. PFA Handouts include:
From the National Mass Violence and Victimization Resource Center
Transcend (mobile app to assist with recovery after mass violence)
Disaster Helpline
SAMHSA has a Disaster Distress Helpline – call or text 1-800-985-5990 (for Spanish, press “2”) to be connected to a trained counselor 24/7/365.
Additional Resources
For those that are needing technical assistance or additional resources, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Melissa Brymer at mbrymer@mednet.ucla.edu.
Emergency Supports Available
Erie County’s Crisis Services is available for those impacted by the tragedy in our community this weekend. Mental health counselors from BestSelf, Endeavor Health of WNY, Crisis Services, and Spectrum Health in association with the Erie County Department of Mental Health will be available at the Johnnie B. Wiley Sports Pavilion Monday, May 16th from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. located at 1100 Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo 14208. All are welcome.
The Erie County Crisis Hotline is available 24/7 by calling (716) 834-3131.
Crisis Services Kids Helpline (716) 834-1144 is available for youth under 18 years of age for confidential support.
Spectrum CARES is available for youth under age 18 to obtain emergency mental health support at (716) 882-4357.
Niagara County Crisis Services can be reached by calling (716) 285-3515 for emergency support.
OGH 24 Hour Crisis Line can be reached at 1-800-339-5209 to obtain emergency mental health support.
The Chautauqua County Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-800-724-0461 or text “Talk” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline– 1-800-273-TALK(8255)
True Bethel Baptist Urgent Response is available for spiritual support and prayer (716) 903-4261
Reverend Theressa Johnson is a Spiritual Minister specializing in Grief and Healing. Rev. Johnson would like you to know she is of diverse culture, was raised in the Jefferson Avenue neighborhood, and still holds familial ties to the community. She has volunteered her services to anyone in need. You may reach her at (716) 481-2799.
Transportation Assistance
Families residing in the 14208 and 14209 areas can access Lyft and Uber using Code SHOPBUF for FREE transportation to grocery stores.
How Do I Access the Employee Assistance Program for Support?
ESI Employee Assistance Group can provide 24/7 professional counseling. All employees and their family members are eligible for counseling with professionals who hold Masters and Ph.D. degrees in clinical services who can provide in- the-moment assistance and support as well as referral to local providers. You can obtain ESI services by accessing their website at:
TheEAP.com or by calling 1-800-252-4555. Please see the attached EAP Benefit Summaries for more information.
Six Supportive Ways to Address Trauma that Shows up at Work
Acknowledge what happened. …
Start the conversation. …
Practice Emotional Intelligence. …
Share relevant resources. …
Monitor staff well-being and check-in often. …
Be aware of the signs and side-effects of trauma and stress. …
Move forward together.