First Contact Celebrates Veterans and Supports the Community with Dedicated Programs and Partnerships

Happy National 211 Day!

At First Contact , we are always seeking to connect with organizations that are making a meaningful impact in the community. Recently, we had the opportunity to learn about the Red Star Foundation , a newly formed nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by suicide loss—particularly those who have lost a loved one who served as a military member, veteran, or first responder . On Friday, January 31, 2025 , members of our First Contact Team attended a press conference in Clearwater, Florida , to learn more about the foundation’s mission and the critical work they are doing. A Mission Born from Personal Loss The Red Star Foundation was founded by a group of former military officials who, through personal experience, understand the profound grief and hardship that comes with losing someone to suicide. Their goal is to fill the gap in resources and support for grieving families—something they found to be sorely lacking, particularly for those connected to the military and first responder communities. During the event, Jerry Shaffer , one of the foundation’s founders, shared the powerful story behind its creation. He introduced Michelle Syer , who tragically lost her husband to suicide five years ago. In a conversation sparked by shared grief, Jerry offered to send her any resources that might help her and her family. Through their discussions, Jerry uncovered a heartbreaking truth: families who lose a loved one to suicide—especially those who served in the military or as first responders—often find themselves without adequate support. This realization led to the formation of the Red Star Foundation, an organization committed to ensuring that no family has to navigate this painful journey alone. Community Support & Recognition The event also featured Clearwater Mayor Bruce Rector , who bravely shared his own personal story of how suicide has affected his family. His testimony reinforced the urgent need for organizations like the Red Star Foundation and emphasized the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding suicide loss . Though the foundation is still in its infancy—it was established just six months ago—it is already making a significant impact. With a growing presence and a dedicated mission, Red Star is determined to bring hope, awareness, and tangible support to families who need it most. First Contact & Red Star Foundation: A Growing Partnership We are proud to announce that First Contact has officially added the Red Star Foundation to our community resource referral database . As they continue to expand their reach and services, we look forward to learning more about their efforts and collaborating in ways that further support individuals and families affected by suicide loss. The work of the Red Star Foundation is a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and action . Their mission aligns with our own commitment at First Contact—to be a trusted resource for those in crisis and to provide pathways to healing and hope. For those seeking support or interested in learning more about the Red Star Foundation , we encourage you to explore their work and see how you can get involved. Together, we can make a difference. If you know of a program that could be beneficial to our community and would like First Contact to know about them, please email update@firstcontact.org . We’re always looking for new resources to help those in need.

Prioritizing Well-Being in the New Year

AARP has named Kip Corriveau to its Executive Council.

We’re incredibly grateful to State Representative Berny Jacques for visiting First Contact.

We are thrilled to announce that Annah-Lauren Valicoff, Director of Population Health - Clinical Programs at BayCare, has joined our First Contact Board of Directors!

First Contact is proud to announce the integration of data from 211 Counts, a real-time community needs dashboard, with its own internal insights to paint a detailed picture of the challenges faced by residents in our community.

As the communities of Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando, and Hillsborough counties continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, First Contact is proud to recognize the incredible work of our dedicated staff.

In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, First Contact was proud to partner with the Hello In There Foundation to provide critical support to Gulfport seniors and hospitality workers who were severely impacted by the storms.