Q&A with Veronica Marshall-Kirk– Helping to ensure accessible mental health support to anyone in need

At Crisis Text Line, our donors play a vital role in changing lives and ensuring that anyone facing a mental health crisis has someone to turn to. Thanks to generous supporters like Veronica Marshall-Kirk, we’re able to train and empower our volunteer Crisis Counselors—who offer support to our texters when it’s needed most. This month, we’re honored to spotlight Veronica, not just for her generosity as a donor and commitment as a volunteer, but also for her advocacy on mental health and accessible crisis care.

Q: What initially inspired you to support Crisis Text Line?
A: As a current volunteer for Crisis Text Line, I’ve witnessed great things the organization does for people facing mental health crises. The supervisors are all incredibly dedicated to their work of supporting the volunteer Crisis Counselors and our texters in need. They offer valuable, kind guidance and key insights to the volunteers. The feedback from texters about how helpful the service has been for them has reinforced the value of the service and keeping it accessible. Being involved with Crisis Text Line as a volunteer solidified for me the powerful work done through the service provided, and it made me want to help ensure it stays accessible to all individuals facing a crisis. 

Q: Can you share a personal story or moment that reinforced your commitment to supporting individuals in crisis?
A: Recently, a texter left me feedback on the support I had offered during our conversation. They said that it was one of the best conversations they have had in a while and that it left them feeling like their emotions were valid. Being able to alleviate feelings of loneliness and help the texter feel more in control of their situation is incredibly rewarding. Hearing that the work myself and other volunteer Crisis Counselors do is having a tangible impact reinforces my commitment to supporting individuals in crisis.

Q: Why is it important to you to support mental health initiatives, particularly crisis intervention?
A: As someone who has lived experience with mental health crises, I recognize the value of support during a crisis and the impact that it can have. Even being able to attain a little bit of calm during one of those intense moments of crisis can really make a change. Crisis Text Line helps texters get through difficult emotions in ways that I wish I had been supported when I had my own mental health crises. Drawing on my personal experiences, I am committed to extending support to others in similar situations, helping them avoid dangerous crises. By supporting mental health initiatives, I hope to empower individuals to find hope and healing during their darkest moments.

Q: How do you see your contributions making a difference in the lives of those reaching out for help?
A: Mental health care can be hard to access for many, especially in a crisis. Contributing to Crisis Text Line helps me feel like I am closing that gap in lack of access even just a little. Not only are texters being guided through a crisis, but they can also get connected to long-term resources that they can use to better their mental health. I see my contributions making immediate and lasting impacts on the mental health of each person who reaches out.

Q: What drives your philanthropic giving overall, and why do you prioritize Crisis Text Line in your charitable efforts?
A: My philanthropic giving is driven by a desire to see tangible change in people’s lives. I appreciate the opportunity to witness firsthand how my contributions can make a real difference. I prioritize Crisis Text Line because of how I have seen it have an impact on individuals in their most difficult times. I know that my donations support the delivery of immediate, transformative support for those in need.

Q: How has giving back to a cause that is meaningful to you impacted you personally or professionally?
A: Giving back to a cause that is meaningful to me has made me feel personally empowered. Donating to an organization doing such impactful work has given me more purpose and reinforced for me the importance of charity. This commitment has demonstrated the value of dedicating resources to initiatives that create lasting change and address pressing needs.

Q: What would you say to others who are considering donating to Crisis Text Line?
A: For people who are considering donating to Crisis Text Line, I would tell them that their donation goes a long way and contributes to transformative support. Even a small donation can have a significant impact on the life of a texter feeling trapped in a place of darkness. As a current volunteer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how dedicated supervisors and compassionate volunteers provide not only immediate crisis intervention but also lasting resources to those in need. Drawing on my personal experiences with mental health challenges, I understand the vital role that support can play during a crisis. By donating, you’re helping to ensure that this essential support remains free and accessible to everyone who reaches out in their time of need.

Q: How do you take care of your own mental health?
A: One major way I take care of my mental health is by giving myself grace, which manifests itself in a lot of ways. Sometimes it looks like allowing myself to relax, do something I love, or prioritize self-care—without feeling guilty about it. Other times, it’s recognizing when I need to ask my safety net for support and reminding myself that asking for help is a sign of strength. Similarly, it can also mean acknowledging my limits and setting clear boundaries. Giving myself grace in these ways allows me to become more resilient and build effective mental health habits.

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You can also make a direct impact on transforming and saving lives by donating to Crisis Text Line or becoming a volunteer. Help us support those who need it most!