Sometimes life doesn't quite go as planned and when my brother of 15 years old decided to take his life... We didn't know how to react, what to do or how to feel... Complete devastation and horror swept through my family like a plague filled with unexplainable grief. Within hours of getting the life-altering news, first responder, Jackie Rosen, CEO of FISP walked through our doors with love, compassion and guidance. The butterfly on her shoulder gave me a glimpse of hope that we were going to make it through... That was almost five years ago. Since then, FISP has created and taken part in many events, seminars and initiatives that have changed the lives of countless people. With the intention of erasing the stigma on suicide and educating people on the importance of being aware of the signs of suicide, substance abuse and mental illness, people every where are receiving the help they need to survive. One of my favorite initiatives that FISP started is the HOPE Sunshine Clubs for middle and high school students. My brother's school was the first to have a HOPE Club and since then, more than 50% of high schools in Broward County have a HOPE Club. I myself am a high school teacher and it has been the perfect opportunity for me to help students that share the same feelings that my brother silently felt. I have the advantage to reach students at my school and provide them with a club that provides education on the importance of knowing the signs of suicide, how to help those in need and why we need to be kind to one another. I know this club has and will help more students then I will ever know, but in the end... The HOPE Club has also helped to save me. Thank you FISP for your relentless efforts and unwavering vision to help people who are suffering. Lots of LOVE to everyone at FISP, you have changed my life!
The Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) is a great institution that provides an invaluable service to our community. They save lives, working with people of all ages to prevent suicide and improve the lives of families with a family member facing difficult moments. They also help survivors cope with the tragedy of losing a loved one.
Jackie and Harry Rosen founded FISP to help people who have lost a loved one to suicide. This organization not only shows love and compassion to those people but also work tirelessly to educate the public about mental illness and other issues such as bullying. The help and resources that FISP provides are instrumental in the hope of turning the tide of helplessness to power and love.
They were there for us when we lost our son and now we are part of there move,Kent and on the board and doing exciting things to save lives and help survivors.
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FISP has been a major force for help and healthy change since its inception due to the tireless efforts of all the volunteers who give their all to save lives. FISP has stood the test of time with careful well-designed programs and initiatives, never giving up and always striving to help more and more people.
FISP helps prevent suicides for all ages, has programs for survivors, and is one of the leading advocates in the State of Florida.
FISP's Survivor of Suicide Loss was my introduction to the organization. The event was well-organized and everyone was so warm, that I felt welcome to speak, for the first time, about my sister's death. The staff also guided me to a local support group, where meeting Rene and the others has been instrumental in healing my trauma. I have learned to accept the slow recovery and understand that there will always be a grief associated with losing my sister, but I feel better equipped to handle it and I feel loved and supported by the members of the support group and FISP.
FISP has the most extraordinary and dedicated Founders in Jackie and Harry Rosen. Their leadership makes everything run great.
I have been involved with the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention (FISP) for a number of years and in a number of capacities. I became involved because I lost my grandfather to suicide. I have served as a suicide survivor support group facilitator, a lecturer, and a board member. Throughout my diverse interactions with FISP, I have seen nothing but dedication to the cause of suicide prevention and post-vention techniques. The people of FISP care so deeply about the community, and want to help in as many diverse ways as possible, and their positive impact is readily apparent in the hearts and minds of all affected. Such a life-changing organization.
FISP is a wonderful organization. We became involved because our son took his life 19 months ago, and Jackie was there for us. They are dedicated to helping survivors of suicide, as well as educating, prevention program developments and research. They want to STOP SUICIDE, and provide help and support to those contemplating suicide.
I last reviewed FISP back in June, 2011. They've grown alot since then. Today their programs include school-age children and seniors and everyone inbetween. Their Hope Club program is for school aged children and deals with bullying, insecurities, fears confronted growing up, etc.They conduct seminars on Saving a Life. Also, Jackie Rosen, the CEO of FISP works with the police and fire departments in helping the officers with the very sensitive job of handling suicide. FISP is well-respected in the mental health area.
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Having been a volunteer and board member of FISP for almost ten years it is a pleasure to share my thoughts and feelings about this wonderful organization. I will always remember the moment I was asked to become a board member. My eyes opened WIDE and I exclaimed, "Really?" My excitement stemmed from my highest regard for Jackie and Harry Rosen, the Principals of FISP. I could not easily grasp how they had overcome their sadness and grief in order to help others. That, in fact, is what Jackie and Harry are about: Helping Others.
And do they ever! Jackie will put in an 80 hour week and at the end quietly wonder, "Why am I so tired?" I don't know anyone quite like her, for not only does she put in the time, she possesses a disposition of empathy, kindness and understanding. Harry is the "Wind beneath our Wings." We look to him for "the word" for we all have tremendous respect for his knowledge and ability to "Talk softly...but carry a big stick" - Roosevelt. Harry can take two opposing sides and have them see each other's point in no time. Together Jackie and Harry Rosen are a win/win team! And I feel such pride to be on their team. It is an honor.
The goal of the Florida Initiative For Suicide Prevention is to stop suicide. This is done by providing support,education, advocacy referrals & research. FISP provides education to the Public by providing survivors support groups in Dade & Broward County, provide educational material at social service fairs, . Our HOPE CLUBS ( Helping To Overcome Problems Effectively are in 15 HighSchools & plans are to expand them to elementary schools. This is a 21 week program sponsored by a teacher where FISP provides a syllabus which includes stress management, anger management, date violence, substance abuse texting, communication skills, mental health & depression, problem solving skills. The goals of this club is to improve protective factors. Here students bring problems/situations to club members & shares. As a group the students try to resolve difficulties. Another education group that FISP provides is our SUN Program which is a 10 week problem solving group. This is provided at the DJJ, Senior Citizens Centers etc. The Executive Director provided Suicide Prevention Training to many agencies at no cost. FISP also sponsors a Survivors Day Conference to survivors at no cost.
I got involved with FISP as a suicide attempt survivor. Under the guidance of Jackie Rosen I have been inspired to help others who have or are struggling with depression and suicidal ideation. FISP is a fantastic organization that is committed saving lives!
Doug Russell - Events/Social Media
Very enthused and involved leaders who want to educate the community on an issue that is commonly overlooked until it hits people who are close to them.
FISP has been a wonderful Broward and Dade County community resource. They have been helpful in their efforts to bring suicide prevention to the school system (elementary through college level) and provide wonderful support groups for those who have lost a loved one to suicide.
As an active member in the community and a new board member for FISP, I want to say how impressed I am with this organization. From grassroots efforts over 20 years ago, FISP has grown and helped so many people over the years. They have received grants and now have programs in many schools throughout South Florida. I am very proud to work along side Jackie and Harry Rosen in the fight against suicide and to help promote positive mental health.
FISP is an excellent NP that strives to meet the needs of so many people struggling with suicidal thoughts and substance abuse. It is an honor and privilege to be affiliated with this organization.
This organization has provided so much value in the community, through education, passion, and several programs geared to stoping suicide! A true blessing in our great community!
An amazing group to work with..Much different than other non-profits because of the grass roots work and direct involvement with the community, survivors , schools and other agencies as well.
I found FISP during a search for non profits to volunteer for. I have suffered from depression, anxiety, ptsd and am a suicide attempt survivor. Jackie Rosen is an angel and has allowed me to volunteer full time to help save lives. I know destiny put us together and I am so proud to work with FISP and be a friend of Jackie's.
Speaking from the perspective as the founding executive director of FISP, Jackie Rosen has continued to develop FISP and provided the leadership in suicide prevention that is needed in Florida. She has always been a committed volunteer, board member and now executive director, and has brought success to the mission of this very special non-profit organization.
Rene Barrett
Founding Executive Director
Hon. Board Member
I have known Jackie & Harry Rosen over twenty years and have worked with them on may projects; but, none as important as saving lives.
Jackie & Harry are very special people - always putting others and their problems first. They are a unique team and the heart and soul of FISP.
Jackie works endless hours with only one goal in mind - to try to save a life. There are many stories I could tell about how they have personally helped me with my own family.
The future of FISP must be preserved. That is why I will always Fund Raise and be a part of FISP.
My son took his own life. My husband and I needed to find a place where others might be able to understand our pain, where we wouldn't hear banalities such as "he's in a better place" or "it's time to get on with your lives." We needed a place that was nonsectarian and where we could feel free to speak without fear of judgement. I was shocked that the group was so small. The intimacy of such a small group has helped us tremendously.
I called the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention after a family member took his life and our family needed help. I live in another part of the state and needed referrals for groups and other resources. FISP made contact with and provided such compassion and support for my family. I will be forever grateful.