Gryphon Place

Crisis services crisis services are provided through participation as a center for the 988 national suicide and crisis lifeline where we support callers across the country. A local helpline is also operated to assist callers in need in southwest Michigan. Additionally, the stay well line provides support to callers from Michigan in need of emotional support related to the covid-19 pandemic. 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). Gryphon Place also provides critical incident stress management (cism) to southwest Michigan. Teams of trained de briefers respond to traumatic incidents within the community, schools, and with first responders to help lessen the impact of the critical incident.

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 training to schools, youth serving agencies, and other community workspaces.

2-1-1 information and referral service: provides quick and easy access to information about health and human services agencies in the kalamazoo and southwest Michigan and toledo, Ohio regions. Community resource 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 2-1-1. Gryphon Place also handles 2-1-1 calls for other Michigan regions during off hours.

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 provide critical funds for Gryphon Place. Funds are raised through sponsorships, event registrations, and other community fundraisers, including harding market's round-up program. 5k walks drawn in over 400 people.