KUU-US Crisis Line Society works and operates on the unceded territory of Tseshaht and Hupacasath
ABOUT THE KUU-US CRISIS LINE SOCIETY
In 1993, due to the amount of suicide attempts among Indigenous youth, various Nuu-chah-nulth members held a community meeting with front line emergency response, counsellors, and the general public. The consensus was to establish a 24-hour crisis line. KUU-US means “people” in Nuu-chah-nulth. Although, the meaning of KUU-US is much deeper than that. The KUU-US Crisis Line Society was established on August 16, 1993. KUU-US Crisis Line Society is an accredited crisis line recognized by the American Association of Suicidology since 2004 ().
OUR SERVICES
To learn more about our services please click the links below:
ʔuušy̓akšiƛeʔic, thank you to Andrée Cazabon Director of the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation, from the tiičmiss team. (KUU-US Crisis Line Department). Our hands go up to you for gifting the team with an opportunity to rejuvenate and refuel their ƛiḿaqsti (spirit) so they can top up their self-care and able to continue to give of themselves.
24 Hour Phone Support
KUU-US Crisis Line Society provides support to callers with in the Port Alberni area as well as Indigenous people throughout the province of British Columbia. Once the issue for support has been identified, the level of severity for call handling is determined. The goal is to establish a non-judgmental approach to listening and problem solving. A support system is put into place where the caller is brought back to a pre-crisis state. Debriefing is also provided to any front line worker who works with in the field. KUU-US also maintains and in-depth referral database. The Adult/Elder, Child/Youth and Toll free lines are funded by the First Nations Health Authority and the Métis line is funded by Métis Nation British Columbia. KUU-US is very thankful for our continued funding to be able to provide crisis services across BC, and for this we say tlecko-tlecko.
Risk Assessment
For situations that pose a risk to the callers or others, KUU-US is able to respond by way of mediating, de-escalating or intervening. As an accredited agency of the American Association of Suicidology in regards to suicide, workers conduct risk assessments and act accordingly.
KUU-US takes suicidal ideation, attempts in progress and calls from 3rd party reporting seriously. This may involve providing phone support and establishing coping mechanisms by daily, outgoing safety monitoring calls to those experiencing suicidal ideation until they are linked in with local supports. For “at risk” emergency or life threatening situations, workers are able to call upon KUU-US’ own 24hr crisis mobile service for Port Alberni, Mental Health Outreach, emergency personnel or identified responders in remote communities.
24hr Local Crisis Mobile Outreach Services
Crisis phone operators assess the need for outreach services. Outreach provides one on one support for those requiring emotional stabilization, linkages for medical risk assessment and CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management) due to traumatic incidences. Those assisted by outreach are followed up through a care-plan structure. Individuals are assisted where needed (Home, Hospital, School, Etc.) This is funded by BC Gaming Policy & Enforcement Branch. We acknowledge the financial support of the province of British Columbia.
DROP IN AND OUTREACH SERVICES
Drop in services for any programs offered by KUU-US are available at the KUU-US Crisis Line Society business office Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm (by appointment only during COVID-19).
Fresh Start Program (daily clothing/employment attire)
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KUU-US provides free clothing, footwear and dress clothes for individuals going to interviews or delivering resumes. This is available for all ages and genders.
New Beginnings free gently used household items): drop by to visit our free store
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KUU-US fills a need in the community for free household items, toys and furniture for low income people and families. All items are acquired by the generous support of community members and businesses who donate to KUU-US.
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By providing these free items, the money clients save will help pay for other expenses they have like healthier food choices, rent or utilities.
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Too often low income individuals/families have to make choices whether to eat or to have a roof over their head. Office hours to access items it Monday to Friday 10am -4pm.
PUTTING THE HOPE BACK IN HOME
This program assists those persons who are homeless or at immediate risk of becoming homeless, as well as those that are chronic and episodically homeless to find housing. This involves providing a support system to include access to urgent/basic need items along with life skill development and teachings. This supportive housing is through the SFRPHI Program and is a housing first program. Tenants have a fully furnished suite and this includes access to support staff.
This program is available Monday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm by calling Homefullness Coordinator, Rhonda Ursel, at 250-723-2323 ext. 226.
This project assists participants to gain independent, safe and affordable housing. One of these initiatives includes an updated weekly housing registry of local Port Alberni Rental vacancies.
Services include personalized care plan development, eviction prevention, landlord/tenant mediation, assistance in applying for income assistance, disability (PWD), and obtaining employment insurance benefits. Support includes accompanying clients to vacancy viewings and linking potential tenants and landlords.
The project focuses on participants cultural beliefs, individuality, issues, and needs. Referrals to workshops addressing root causes to homelessness (i.e., communication, resiliency, budgeting, and shopping on a limited budget). KUU-US helps clients find employment opportunities in working with local businesses in town. Volunteer opportunities are available for clients as well in local organizations in the valley.
PROTOCOLS
KUU-US has established protocol agreements with a number of First Nations communities in BC.
KUU-US has established protocol agreements with several hospitals in BC.
KUU-US has an agreement with Métis Nation BC to provide crisis call intervention services.
Through these agreements, KUU-US can offer enhanced supports to callers in crisis. Our Call Operators can quickly access information about a community's support system and connect people in crisis more efficiently.
Additionally, through these agreements, KUU-US can provide in community crisis intervention training and information.
For more information about protocols, please call 250-723-2323 or toll-free at 1-800-588-8717.