News

2007 Highlights

Volunteers/Crisis Lines

Our call volume over the last five years has averaged about 20,000 calls annually. We added 14 new volunteers to our roster, a big help in providing coverage 7 days a week, including all holidays. Our reciprocal arrangement with the Fall River/New Bedford Samaritan Center for call forwarding when a shift cannot be covered has proved beneficial for both Centers. In addition, we initiated call forwarding to Framingham for overnight coverage on selected dates. We intend to continue these efforts and expand overnight coverage in 2008.

Fundraising

Our monthly mailings to past and potential donors elicited the best response we've ever had. See Events for information on other activities.

Senior Outreach Program

Our initiative, begun in 2006, has met with enthusiasm and afforded us the opportunity to collaborate with other Cape Cod organizations. We've piloted a program designed to supplement services for elders by establishing an outgoing call system with the help of the Falmouth and Mashpee Senior Centers. We've been greatly encouraged by the response, and believe that these calls provide a "phone friend" to the people we call. In 2007, we expanded outreach efforts to Dennis and Provincetown.

As we begin our 31st year serving Cape Cod and the Islands, we are energized with a new commitment to our mission. We know how much our callers rely on Samaritans answering the telephone; they tell us time and time again that we are their "support group." We all have a role in helping our fellow human beings. Some of us will volunteer and others will provide the financial means to allow us to continue.

Many thanks to all who have supported us – we need your help!

Events

Our 6th Annual Monica Dickens Golf Tournament was held on October 1st, 2007, at Woods Hole Golf Club. For the second time, a bocce contest was included, so non-golfers could participate in the fun. We enjoyed beautiful weather, with a raffle, silent auction, and hors d'oeuvres at the end of the day. Thanks to generous sponsors, advertisers, donors, golfers and bocce players, we had a very successful event, netting more than $21,000.00.

The 7th Annual Monica Dickens Golf Tournament will be held at Pocasset Golf Club on October 6th, 2008.

A grand celebration – our 30th Anniversary Party! Held at the Casino Wharf Restaurant in Falmouth Heights on November 11th, 2007, it was a momentous occasion, marking 30 continuous years of serving residents of Cape Cod and the Islands. Guests took in breathtaking views of Vineyard Sound, music, hors d'oeuvres and cake.

Former volunteer David Wadsworth was honored for 25 years of service, and Frank Young for 17 years. Congressman William Delahunt issued a heartfelt proclamation recognizing our work, as did Senator Therese Murray and Representative Eric Turkington. Representative Matt Patrick spoke movingly about our mission.

Former volunteer Mildred Allen chats with a few members of her fan club.

Samaritan supporters smile for the camera.