Crisis Intervention - Chai Lifeline Canada

Chai Lifeline Canada’s Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), is a volunteer driven team trained to provide support in the immediate aftermath of a sudden crisis, tragedy, or traumatic event that occurs in Toronto’s Jewish Community. Support for grieving parents and children can help them adapt to a horrific loss. Structured programs can decrease the risk of maladaptive grief patterns developing in families.

If you or someone you know is in need of immediate support,
please contact our CIT Hotline:

1 (800) 556-6238
Or Email: [email protected]

Our role is to provide emotional support and practical assistance to individuals and groups affected by a traumatic event. Victims and witnesses are often left feeling shocked, confused, and traumatized in the aftermath of a crisis. Our volunteers are trained to help restore a sense of reassurance, stability, direction, emotional security, and organization to those affected by a tragic event.

SERVICES INCLUDE

Providing guidance for how to notify children of a sudden death or tragedy
Providing emotional support and empathy
Coping skills, validation and reassurance
Assistance in mediating with the press, hospital, police, other agencies
Managing difficult questions and dilemmas
Consultation with schools, organizations, or synagogues
Provide guidance and direction following a global traumatic event that affects the Jewish community nation wide
Arranging referral to appropriate services such as: Lawyers
- Burial services
- Mental health professionals
- Financial aid
- Religious services
Facilitating practical planning of imminent 24 hours such as:
- Assisting with planning sleeping arrangements for children
- Guidance in how to notify friends and family about a personal tragedy
- Guidance in coordinating with children’s school / speaking with classmates

CRISIS INCLUDE:

Sudden death
Suicidal acts
Acts of terror
Natural disasters
Major accident or incident resulting in loss of limb or major function
Event, local or global, that traumatizes or affects a community or group at large

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers undergo a specified crisis response training facilitated by Victim Services of York Region (a program of the York Regional Police and O.P.P). The team is comprised of a comprehensive and varied group of caring individuals that includes teachers, professionals, lay persons, paramedics, community activists, rabbis, and mental health professionals from the Toronto Jewish community who have a vested interest in the well being of our community at large. Each volunteer brings a unique perspective, skill set, and experience to the team.

WHY THIS TEAM WAS CREATED

In the immediate aftermath of a tragic event, whether there is one victim or one thousand victims, the individuals affected are left reeling with a sense of helplessness, insecurity, and shock.

Over the years, Chai Lifeline Canada has received a considerable number of calls from concerned family members, teachers, school principals, rabbis, mental health professionals, and other organizations requesting support for parents, children, students, teachers, friends, and others who were grappling with the initial shock of a tragic event, death, or catastrophic incident.

Some examples include:

- A family dealing with the unexpected death of a child
- Supporting family, friends and community affected by a completed suicide
- Supporting family and friends affected by a car accident death
- Supporting teachers, students, and school administration following a tragic event involving a fellow student or staff member

In response to the overwhelming request for Chai Lifeline services following such events, it was clear that our community was in need of a crisis response team.

After consulting with community activists, local professionals, and various organizations, we created this team as a direct response to that need.

In the immediate aftermath of a tragic event, whether there is one victim or one thousand victims, the individuals affected are left reeling with a sense of helplessness, insecurity, and shock.

“There are no words with which to express my appreciation for all you’ve done to help our school and our community. The speed of your response was truly amazing. Each person that was affected by this tragedy was met as quickly as possible. Their emotional needs were assessed and quickly met.”

36 HOURS.

$500,000

2X MATCH!

Minimum $18 donation per tribute card