Q&A with Tracy Flynn – Taking Action Through Donating and Volunteering

At Crisis Text Line, the generosity of our donors is what helps us continue to save and transform lives. One such donor, Tracy Flynn, who is also a volunteer Crisis Counselor, provides both her time and philanthropy as a way to take action and help those who are experiencing mental health crises. This month, we’re honored to recognize Tracy for her dedication as a donor and volunteer, and for joining us in our goal to ensure that no one has to feel alone in their darkest moments.

Q: What initially inspired you to support Crisis Text Line?
A: I was inspired to be a part of Crisis Text Line after a former boyfriend took his life, and I felt helpless in the wake of his suicide. Volunteering with Crisis Text Line felt like I was taking action to help others who might be on the edge.

Q: Can you share a personal story or moment that reinforced your commitment to supporting individuals in crisis?
A: There is nothing more rewarding than texters’ feedback that says “You saved my life tonight” or “I was planning on hanging myself tonight and now I’m not.”

Q: Why is it important to you to support mental health initiatives, particularly crisis intervention?
A: We all want to feel heard. We all want to feel understood. These are universal desires as human beings. I like Crisis Text Line’s nonjudgmental approach in its training. As Artificial Intelligence starts to permeate everything including mental health therapy, it is essential to have that human touch when someone reaches out in distress.

Q: How do you see your contributions making a difference in the lives of those reaching out for help?
A: I am always amazed by the power of an hour. A texter may come in hot and actively suicidal, but during the course of an hour or so, once they feel seen and heard in a nonjudgmental way, they shift from a desire to die to a desire to live. Although some people balk when I tell them that the service is text only, that has become the main form of communication for so many people, young and old, so I like that Crisis Text Line is accessible to those who communicate in that way.

Q: What drives your philanthropic giving overall, and why do you prioritize Crisis Text Line in your charitable efforts?
A: With social services being cut more and more, supporting such a vital service is so important, now more than ever.

Q: How has giving back to a cause that is meaningful to you impacted you personally or professionally?
A: There is such a great lesson in the fact that helping others supports my own mental health.

Q: What would you say to others who are considering donating to Crisis Text Line?
A: You are supporting a vital service–helping to save lives. Crisis Text Line does that daily for free, 24/7.

Q: How do you take care of your own mental health?
A: Connection is key to my mental health. If I am feeling isolated, I reach out to friends to talk it out. I am also a big believer in therapy. I am a Licensed Master Social Worker and was taught in graduate school the importance of constantly working on your own issues, especially while working with others.  When I am feeling down, I find that spending time volunteering for Crisis Text Line lifts my spirits. It gets me out of my head and allows me to help others.

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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!