Christ Church Outreach News: April 2, 2026
- Christ Episcopal Church
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Grassroots Offers Community Members a Two-Day Workshop on Skills to Help Prevent Suicides
Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center will hold a suicide prevention workshop for anyone who wishes to learn potentially life-saving skills. The ASIST Training is for individuals who want to feel more comfortable, confident, and competent in helping prevent the immediate risk of suicide.
“You don’t need any prior training to attend ASIST, just a willingness to make a difference,” says the Grassroots’ post about the event.
The workshop takes place on Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Participants must be 18 or older and are expected to attend in full on both days. The sessions will be held at Grassroots’ administrative offices, 6700 Freetown Rd., Columbia, Md. 21044.
Training will be provided by certified ASIST trainers from Grassroots. ASIST, which is listed as a resource by a federal agency, is an acronym for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training.
The cost of $50, plus internet fees, includes lunch and materials. The registration website describes the techniques as widely used by professionals and the general public. Participants will learn how to recognize and assess the risk of suicide, use an effective suicide-prevention model, and define and maximize community resources.
Many parishioners are familiar with Grassroots’ help for the homeless. But that’s only one part of its broader mission, which includes mental health services. For example, it provides 24-hour crisis intervention, including a supportive counseling hotline.
Christ Church got an overview and learned about Grassroots’ recent expansion during a visit last fall by Anna Katz, Grassroots director of grants and support. Read a recap of the visit in the Outreach Blog of Oct. 9, 2025 and view a YouTube video of her Zoom presentation during Sunday Circle on Sept. 21, 2025 below.
Bring Items for FISH/CCC, and Consider Volunteering to Take Calls from Home
FISH and Columbia Community Care (CCC) partnered last year and merged their pantries. CCC continues to hand out food at three sites on Saturday mornings and deliver it to Howard County residents. For information, go online to Get Help. Find CCC updates, including an anniversary celebration on March 14, on its Facebook page.
FISH continues to pick up donated goods from Christ Church and others. Please put non-perishable food and personal care products in the altar basket or in a bin just inside the Parish Hall. Look for a combo label “FISH/CCC”. Please bring baby wipes and diapers, especially large sizes.
FISH will continue to provide telephone support to Howard County residents, offering guidance and financial assistance, because the personal touch is very important when people are in crisis. For information, ask parishioner and FISH treasurer Andy DeLong (see photo) or email him at andydelong.fish@gmail.com.
You could be the one to lend a helping hand by lending an ear! As a phone volunteer, you can help from your home by giving just one day a month to assist those who could benefit from FISH's financial assistance. Training is provided. Thank you always for your support.
In general, if you have suggestions about ways to help the community, if you want to get involved, or if you need assistance, please email Christ Church Outreach at outreach@christchurchcolumbia.org. Your help is greatly welcomed and appreciated. Thank you.
