HopeNet of Carpinteria is a grass roots, suicide prevention group of concerned citizens that began in 2012 after the death of a local political figure. HopeNet provides suicide prevention education and resources to the Carpinteria community. Over the years the mission of HopeNet has broadened to not only include efforts and resources to lessen the number of attempted or completed suicides, but also improve the mental wellness of Carpinterians.
In achieving their goals, HopeNet works to provide hope and direction to those in need, directing them to appropriate professional assistance. HopeNet has collaborated to bring mental health services and resources to Carpinteria that include the County of Santa Barbara Department of Behavioral Wellness, Mental Wellness Center of Santa Barbara, Glendon Association, Antioch University, SAFTY, etc.
Additional efforts by HopeNet to achieve their goals have included:
• Creating, updating, printing & distributing thousands of suicide prevention cards in Spanish & English
• Developing awareness of suicide prevention through events such as World Suicide Prevention Candlelight Vigil celebrated every September 10th on Linden Avenue
• Providing speakers for Carpinteria events and organizations
• Working closely with the Carpinteria Unified School District, in particular the Safety Committee and the Youth Wellness Connection Club at Carpinteria High School, the City of
Carpinteria, County of Santa Barbara, youth organizations, local service organizations, individuals, etc.
HopeNet is also currently working with the Santa Barbara County Department of Public Health to bring psychological services to Carpinteria. Beginning July, 2018 there will be a Clinical Social Worker or Clinical Psychologist available (8 hours per week), by late Summer a certified drug & alcohol counselor (8-10 hours per week), and it is hoped that in September various other agencies will be available to
provide additional mental health services to Carpinteria residents.
HopeNet welcomes members of the community to the World Suicide Prevention Candlelight Vigil on Monday, September 10 from 7-8 pm at the seal sculpture at the end of Linden Avenue. The event
will include presenters, music, refreshments, resources and therapists available to the public. At the Vigil you can also learn about the signs of suicide and how you can help.
If you would like to volunteer or learn more about HopeNet please visit hopenetofcarp.org. For additional health & human resource information you can also visit the City of Carpinteria website at carpinteria.ca.us, click on the Local Info tab.
The City is thankful for the service that HopeNet’s volunteers and Board members provide to the community and congratulates them on their selection as the City’s summer Community Partner.
