“The time I have spent volunteering for Samaritans is the most meaningful time in my life. I will never forget the volunteers and staff at Samaritans, simply the finest human beings I have ever met.”

The Friends of Samaritans is a diverse group of individuals who believe in the value of the work of Samaritans and want to help advance our mission and support the organization.

Each of our Friends comes to be involved with Samaritans for their own unique reason. Some are former hotline volunteers who want to stay connected with the organization and volunteer in new ways. Some have lost a loved one to suicide and value the opportunity to be part of a community effort to help others.

Some of our Friends just feel a sense of meaning in using their personal and professional skills, time and energy to further our mission. Still others have been involved with us as donors, advisors and staff members and want to contribute more to our work in a manner that parallels their interests and strengths.

Whether it is organizing a fundraising event attended by their friends and colleagues; using their personal contacts to engage people in the business sector who might want to sponsor our programs, conferences or community education work; providing website and graphic design for events and publications; or assisting us in media, outreach or publicity–There are many possibilities, including helping other members with existing projects.

If you would like to learn more or become a member of the Friends of Samaritans, please contact Fiodhna O’Grady at (212) 673-3661 or email friends@samaritansnyc.org  and put “Friends of Samaritans Inquiry” in the subject line.

Or mail a letter to: Fiodhna O’Grady, Director of Development, Friends of The Samaritans of New York, Box 1259, Madison Square Station, New York, NY 10159

Please Note: The above email address is to be used for business purposes only. It is not intended nor should it be utilized for anyone who is in crisis, suicidal, who needs immediate help or is seeking to communicate with the hotline or a mental health professional.

 If you are suicidal and in need of emergency help, call 911. If you are depressed or in crisis and need someone to talk to, call Samaritans confidential hotline at (212) 673-3000.