This year’s month-long Million in May fundraising initiative urges those who care about suicide prevention and supporting those affected to donate even $135 dollars, in recognition of the 135 people it has been estimated are affected by a single death by suicide. When you give today, you have twice the impact. Between now and May 31, your gift will be matched up to $100,000 thanks to a generous donor, who is also a dedicated AFSP volunteer.
Through our local chapters in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s work wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers, many of whom have a deep, personal connection to this cause.
Kris Williams, from our Oklahoma chapter, is a wonderful example of how our volunteers are making an incredible difference. Coming from a deeply religious family involved in mission work and realizing at the age of 11 that she was gay and would have to keep it a secret or try to “pray it away,” Kris spent years running from her feelings, and at the age of 22 confided to a therapist about experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors — and her desire to be seen and loved, unable to hide her identity anymore. Kris has now worked in mental health and social services for 25 years, and made it her mission through AFSP to become a source of love and support for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. |
