“Now is the time to put your money where your heart is.” – Q&A with Terri Coons

With Crisis Text Line’s Mental Health Awareness Month campaign, It Starts with One Text, in full swing, we’d like to acknowledge the generous contributions of our donors, and how they have continually helped us to ensure that no one faces their darkest moments alone. One such donor, Terri Coons, recognized the need to support Crisis Text Line first through volunteering as a Crisis Counselor, and now as a committed monthly donor. Because of individuals like Terri, we are able to provide high-quality training for our Crisis Counselors as well as free, 24/7 mental health support for anyone who is in need. 

Q: What initially inspired you to support Crisis Text Line?
A: My goal was to serve the common good and to be useful to society when I chose to become a Crisis Text Line volunteer Crisis Counselor. I had heard about volunteer opportunities at Crisis Text Line about four years ago and thought- I want to do that someday. As I was in the middle of caretaking for my elderly parents, I held off on volunteering. Finally, after the early-pandemic and drastically rising rates of mental disease, I knew it was time to act because there would never be a perfect time. Once I started volunteering, I knew that the service Crisis Text Line provides is essential, and that the organization required financial support in order to continue to operate. So, I quickly became a twice-a-year donor. Last year, I transitioned into a monthly donor so that Crisis Text Line could use my donations to help keep this critical service free. Crisis Text Line does an amazing job supporting texters, employees, and their vast volunteer workforce!

Q: Can you share a personal story or moment that reinforced your commitment to supporting individuals in crisis?
A: I hear the most touching words from the texters I support. Some give feedback after the conversation, and some tell me how much our interaction means to them before we say goodbye. One texter sent feedback that they felt bad because they had lied to me about not wanting to end their life. They confessed, in the feedback, that they were actually very seriously contemplating suicide, and that I had saved their life that night. They thanked me profusely; it still gives me chills, along with an iron will, to keep supporting Crisis Text Line’s mission.

Q: How do you see your contributions making a difference in the lives of those reaching out for help?
A: Advertising, training new volunteer Crisis Counselors, administration and supervisory staff, and partnering with like-minded organizations.

Q: What drives your philanthropic giving overall, and why do you prioritize Crisis Text Line in your charitable efforts?
A: Great Question! Three priorities for my charitable giving:  1.) Be useful,  2.) Serve the common good, and 3.) Offer egalitarian education. Crisis Text Line excels in all three categories. For comparison, other organizations I support are PBS/NPR, OpenStax, and my local Library!

Q: How has giving back to a cause that is meaningful to you impacted you personally or professionally?
A: Crisis Text Line has taught me a lot about how to address and handle crises that arise in my circle of influence. This organization is always available for follow-up support, too!

Q: What would you say to others who are considering donating to Crisis Text Line?
A: These services are not guaranteed and never were, despite our belief that they were unassailable. It’s up to us to do good in the world. Leo Tolstoy wrote: “Future love does not exist. Love is a present activity only.” Now is the time to put your money where your heart is.

Q: How do you take care of your own mental health?
A: I read (a lot), meditate, work out daily, keep connected with my family and friends, and participate in community organizations where we engage in meaningful conversation.

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Inspired to make a direct impact on transforming and saving lives? Donate to Crisis Text Line or become a volunteer. Help us support those who need it most!