Program areas at Gryphon Place
Crisis services - crisis services are provided through participation as a center for the 988 national suicide and crisis lifelines where we support callers across the country. A local helpline is also operated to assist callers in need in southwest Michigan. All lines are operated 24/7/365. Calls are confidential and callers receive respect, empathy, and compassion to address life stressors that may be causing feelings of being overwhelmed or thoughts of suicide. Staff who work the line receive in-depth crisis training, including suicide intervention. Gryphon Place's crisis lines are accredited by council on accreditation (coa) and american association of suicidology (aas).
Community engagement conducts events in the community, such as suicide prevention month (september) which hosts a variety of fundraisers, including the suicide prevention walk. The 5k cause-walk raises awareness for suicide prevention, allows people to connect with each other, and provides critical funds for Gryphon Place. Funds are raised through sponsorships, event registrations, and other community fundraisers, including harding's market's round-up program. 5k walks have drawn in over 400 people.
211 information and referral services: provides quick and easy access to information about health and human services agencies in the kalamazoo and southwest Michigan and toledo, Ohio regions. Community resources advisors work with callers to assess needs, determine options and provide appropriate programs/services, give support and advocate for the caller as needed. Calls are confidential and answered with respect, empathy and compassion. Gryphon Place is a regional partner for Michigan 211. Gryphon Place also handles 211 calls for other Michigan regions during off hours.
Conflict resolution - in our restorative practices for the community and youth is often used as an alternative to punitive discipline. Restorative practices services provides individuals with opportunities to address concerns and solve problems and, when there is wrongdoing, play an active role in addressing the wrong and making things right. The aim of restorative practices is to peacefully resolve conflicts, repair harm, restore relationships, improve human behavior, and provide effective leadership. Types of restorative practices include restorative conference and restorative circle. Gryphon Place also provides restorative justice trainings to schools, youth serving agencies, and other community workspaces.