About Friends of the Crisis Center

Friends of the Crisis Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to support the programs and volunteers of the Alachua County Crisis Center.  The organization is also responsible for building and maintaining the Judy Broward Survivors of Suicide Memory Garden located in The City of Gainesville's Cofrin Nature Park in Gainesville, Florida.

Friends of the Crisis Center was formed in 1987 with the primary task to raise funds to support the Alachua County Crisis Center's volunteer training, recognition and education as well as support community outreach and education programs.  Every year approximately 180 volunteers give over 40,000 hours of community service in crisis and suicide intervention.  All the services of the Alachua County Crisis Center are delivered by trained volunteers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

In 2010, the Friends of the Crisis Center graciously accepted the task of building and maintaining the Judy Broward Survivors of Suicide (SOS) Memory Garden.  The purpose of this garden is to provide solace and peace to those who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide or to those experiencing any type of loss.  It is our hope that the SOS Memory Garden at Cofrin Nature Park will provide a comforting space for healing and reflection.