Contra Costa Crisis Center Awarded $25K Matthew Perry Foundation Grant
WALNUT CREEK, CA — The Contra Costa Crisis Center was awarded a $25,000 Grassroots Recovery Grant from the Matthew Perry Foundation and will use the funds to provide much-needed assistance to people in crisis across the community, the Walnut Creek-based nonprofit said Thursday.
The grant will support 24-hour crisis lines for crisis counseling and emotional support for substance abuse, suicide, mental illness, child abuse, elder abuse and more. The center handles over 6,000 calls per month.
“The Matthew Perry Foundation values your tireless efforts for those on the path to recovery,” said Nick Gaines, political director of the foundation. “Matthew’s vision was to help as many people as possible, and we’re reaching out to you to continue this mission.”
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The “Friends” actor who died Oct. 28, 2023, at the age of 54, struggled with addiction most of his adult life.
This quote from Perry is shared on the foundation’s website: “When I die, I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned.”
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The Matthew Perry Foundation is committed to eliminating addiction stigmas and ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities to thrive in their recovery journey. By supporting local organizations through the Grassroots Recovery Grants, the foundation empowers essential groups to provide hope and recovery to those affected by substance use disorders, fostering a collaborative effort to build a brighter future for all.
Contra Costa Crisis Center Executive Director Elaine Schroth Cortez said the nonprofit is privileged to join the compassionate care network nurtured by the Matthew Perry Foundation.
“By connecting with like-minded organizations that share resources and best practices, we can amplify each other’s impact and further our shared mission of supporting individuals on their recovery journeys,” Schroth Cortez said. “Addiction recovery is incredibly meaningful to the volunteers and staff at the Contra Costa Crisis Center who regularly speak to callers who are struggling with alcohol and drug addiction.”
The center’s motto is: “With Help Comes Hope.”
Oftentimes, she said, callers describe difficult circumstances in their lives that have caused them to use alcohol and drugs as a way to lessen the pain they are experiencing. They may have lost a loved one due to death or the ending of a relationship; lost a job; or experienced other difficulties in their lives that cause them to turn to alcohol or drugs.
The center —an accredited member of the American Association of Suicidology, InformUSA and International Council for Helplines — provides actionable steps in addressing these challenges and assists in reducing the caller’s emotional distress. The center may also connect callers with resources in the community that can help address reliance on alcohol and drugs, including directing callers to the AODS line and inpatient and outpatient providers of addiction care.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Matthew Perry Foundation for their support and for recognizing the importance of the work our team and many volunteers do,” Schroth Cortez said. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of many and building a stronger, more resilient community.”
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