Fifty years ago this month Crisis Services was created in Buffalo. It has provided 24-hour, vital support to citizens. WBFO's senior reporter Eileen Buckley says now Crisis Services is launching a revamp of its brand and mission.
“We are a 24-hour comprehensive crisis center and community resource whose first responders provide support to anyone in need,” stated Jessica Pirro, CEO, Crisis Services.
Pirro was reading off the new mission statement. Crisis Services stretches across Buffalo and Erie County. Pirro tells WBFO News this is a 'refresh' of its current brand with a new tagline, this moment forward.
"We all had a moment when we read it and said that's us, that’s us, because it really represents that when somebody contacts Crisis Services, they call in, we are really helping them from this 'moment forward' to help deal with the crisis, the trauma they are experiencing or just providing the needed support that they might have at that moment to help them as they heal or recover from a challenging situation,” Pirro said.
Crisis Services started as a suicide prevention hotline in 1968 founded by the Vetter family. At the time was they were in need of help for a family member suffering from addiction. Today it has evolved into comprehensive crisis care.
“You know when we are here 50-years later, those same issues were there in 1968 and before – they’re more present – they’re more aware. We’re encouraging people to talk about it more, but all really based on that foundation of being there for everyone, at any time, 24-hours a day,” Pirro explained.
Pirro said they want to provide a “sense of safety” and “hope” to community members.
