irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2025
What they reported doing
- #1 primary $1.76MSEE SCHEDULE OTHE ADVOCATE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES 24/7 CONFIDENTIAL RESPONSE AND CRISISINTERVENTION FOR SURVIVORS OF RAPE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE,AND FAMILY VIOLENCE AT ALL ERIE COUNTY EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS. CLIENTS CAN ACCESS CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, SAFETY PLANNING, SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY & ACCOMPANIMENT TO COURT PROCEEDINGS, LINKAGE TO NYS OFFICE OF VICTIM SERVICES COMPENSATION, AND CONNECTION AND REFERRALS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES. CASE MANAGERS ARE CO-LOCATED ATSEVERAL DIFFERENT POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND SEVERAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES WITHIN ERIE COUNTY. THE CAMPUS ADVOCATES ALSO ASSIST STUDENT SURVIVORS WITH ON-CAMPUS ADJUDICATION, PROVIDING ADVOCACY, ACCOMPANIMENTS, AND ADVISEMENT THROUGH THEIR ON-CAMPUS PROCESS.OUR ADVOCATE PROGRAM HOUSES A SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAMINER (SAFE} PROGRAM THAT PARTNERS WITH AREA HOSPITALS TO PROVIDE ON-SITE FORENSIC SERVICES TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WHO HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED AND SEEKING HELP. THE ADVOCATE PROGRAM ALSO OFFERS COMMUNITY EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMMING.
- #2 $2.29MSEE SCHEDULE OSTAFF WHO MAKE UP OUR CRISIS COUNSELING PROGRAM (CCP), 24-HOUR CRISIS HOTLINE: 716-834-3131, ARE TRAINED CRISIS HOTLINE COUNSELORS WHO ASSIST CALLERS 24/7 THAT ARE IN VARIOUS TYPES OF CRISIS, NEED SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING, OR LOOKING FOR RESOURCES IN ERIE COUNTY. CCP IS THE FIRST POINT OF ACCESS FOR CALLERS. CCP IS ALSO THE CONTINUUM OF CARE AFTER-HOURS PROVIDER FOR CONSUMERS OF 13 LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AGENCIES IN ERIE COUNTY. CCP ALSO MANAGES THE 24-HOUR KIDS HELP LINE IN ERIE COUNTY AND IS THE MENTAL HEALTH 24-HOUR HOTLINE PROVIDER FOR CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. CRISIS SERVICES IS THE REGIONAL CENTER FOR ERIE AND CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY CALLS MADE TO THE 988 CRISIS AND SUICIDE LIFELINE. ADDITIONALLY, THE ADDICTION HOTLINE IS THE FIRST VOICE OF ASSISTANCE FOR IMMEDIATE HELP, EDUCATION, INFORMATION, REFERRALS AND ASSISTANCE WITH LINKAGE TO TREATMENT. THE ADDICTION HOTLINE IS NOT ONLY FOR INDIVIDUALS BATTLING ADDICTION BUT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS IN NEED OF SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE WITH THOSE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION.
named programs · 5 · from sources
What they call their work
Advocate Program
Provides 24/7 confidential crisis intervention, case management, safety planning, supportive counseling, criminal justice advocacy, court accompaniment, and referrals for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and family violence at all Erie County emergency departments and select police and university campuses. Includes a Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program that partners with hospitals to provide on-site forensic exams.
Crisis Counseling Program (CCP)
Operates a 24-hour crisis hotline (716-834-3131) offering immediate support, counseling, and resource referrals for individuals in crisis. Serves as the after-hours continuum of care provider for 13 local mental health agencies, manages the Kids Help Line, and is the regional 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline center for Western New York. Also operates an addiction hotline.
Emergency Mental Health Response Services (EMHRS)
Includes Mobile Outreach Response Program to divert individuals from psychiatric ERs and jail; Mobile Transitional Services for those recently discharged from inpatient care; and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for law enforcement on responding to mental health crises.
Sexual Violence Prevention Team
Implements a public health approach to prevent sexual and domestic violence through education, coalition building, policy review, and awareness campaigns in schools, campuses, and communities. Focuses on youth aged 10–24 and influential adults across Erie, Niagara, and Monroe Counties as part of a state-funded regional initiative.
Trauma Response Program
Provides immediate telephone or in-person crisis intervention following traumatic events such as suicide loss, homicide, natural disasters, or community violence. Services based on Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) principles include group defusing, debriefing, individual crisis intervention, follow-up, and referrals to prevent long-term trauma effects like PTSD.
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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24/7 Crisis and Warmline Support Services 4 activities
- 24-Hour Crisis Hotline and Lifeline ServicesOperates a 24-hour crisis hotline available to individuals in Buffalo, Erie County, and Chautauqua County, including participation in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for call and text access. Answers approximately 78,910 calls annually and serves as the regional center for Erie and Chautauqua County calls to the 988 Lifeline. Also operates a crisis chat hotline available Monday through Friday from 6 PM to 11 PM and a dedicated helpline for children in crisis.
- After-Hours Continuum of Care for Mental Health ConsumersServes as the after-hours continuum of care provider for consumers of 13 local mental health and behavioral health agencies in Erie County, ensuring access to crisis support outside regular business hours.
- Trauma Response Services for Individuals and CommunitiesProvides 24-hour intervention services for individuals, families, and groups exposed to traumatic events, including suicide loss, community violence, natural disasters, and critical incidents affecting first responders. Services include Group Defusing, Group Debriefing, Individual Crisis Intervention, Follow-Up, and Referral. Offers education on normal trauma responses and symptom management, and refers individuals needing long-term care to community services such as grief and mental health counseling.
- Volunteer Engagement for Crisis ServicesEngages volunteers from Erie County and Western New York to support 24-hour crisis services, including peer support for suicide loss survivors and hospital-based advocacy.
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Domestic Violence Survivor Support Services 2 activities
- Domestic Violence Support and Safety PlanningProvides safety planning, information, and case management for survivors of domestic violence, including access to emergency shelter, orders of protection, legal options, and counseling. Offers in-person hospital advocacy and operates a 24-hour hotline for support and service referrals.
- Hospital-Based Crisis Intervention for Survivors of Sexual and Domestic ViolenceProvides in-person support from trained advocates at hospitals for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and family violence, including administration of rape kits. In the most recent reporting period, provided crisis response to 660 survivors and administered 149 rape kits. Services are available 24/7 at all Erie County emergency departments.
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Elder Abuse and Legal Advocacy Services 1 activity
- Elder Abuse Intervention and CounselingHandles cases of elder abuse—including physical, emotional, neglect, and abandonment—via its 24-hour hotline. Provides free, confidential, non-clinical supportive counseling to current and past survivors and their family members to help process trauma and develop coping skills.
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Grief Support Groups and Counseling 1 activity
- Peer Support for Suicide Loss SurvivorsConnects individuals affected by suicide loss with peer support from trained volunteers who have experienced similar bereavement, providing compassionate, trauma-informed connection as part of postvention care.
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Law Enforcement-Community Relations Programs 1 activity
- Police Mental Health Collaboration and Crisis Intervention Training (CIT)Operates the Police Mental Health Coordination Project to improve collaboration between law enforcement and mental health agencies in Erie County, convening project members bi-monthly. Implements the Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) Project to establish CIT Teams in all police agencies across Erie County.
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Volunteer and Professional Training Programs 1 activity
- Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) ProgramTrains and deploys Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners (SAFEs) to provide compassionate, patient-centered care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of survivors during forensic exams.
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Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Education 1 activity
- Sexual and Domestic Violence Prevention EducationAs lead agency in a tri-county collaboration funded by the New York State Department of Health, develops and implements prevention projects targeting cultural and behavioral change in schools, campuses, nightlife communities, and among youth aged 10–24 and their influential adults. Provides prevention education ranging from introductory content to advanced skill-building sessions on sexual and domestic violence, training 2,925 community members in the most recent year.
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financials · form 990 · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$8.78M
Contributions & grants$6.63M75%
Program service revenue$2.09M24%
Investment income$51K1%
Other revenue$15K
expenses
Total expenses$8.64M
Program expenses90%
Admin / overhead7%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$6.94M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$6.37M
Cash$2.56M
Investments$0
Liabilities$4.38M
Net assets$1.99M
Liquid reserves3.6 mo
5 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue +13.6%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
paid leadership · 6
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| JESSICA C PIRRO | PRESIDENT/C.E.O. | 40 | $179K |
| TRACIE BUSSI | PROGRAM DIRECTOR | 40 | $149K |
| ANGELA TAURIELLO | PREA CASE MANAGER | 40 | $140K |
| SUSAN PARKER-PRUSIECKI | CRISIS COUNSELING SPECIALIST | 40 | $133K |
| SARA CARELLA | C.F.O. | 40 | $122K |
| HOLLY FRANZ | SAFE PROGRAM MANAGER | 40 | $122K |
board members · 16
- ANDRENEE SMITH — CHAIR
- CYNTHIA HAMMER — BOARD MEMBER
- DAVID ZAPFEL — BOARD MEMBER
- HEATHER CRUZ — BOARD MEMBER
- JENNIFER PUGH — BOARD MEMBER
- JESSICA BROWN — VICE CHAIR
- LAWRENCE ROSS — BOARD MEMBER
- MARGARET TESTA-GOSS — BOARD MEMBER
- MIA CLARK — BOARD MEMBER
- MICHAEL TA SMITH — BOARD MEMBER
- MINDY CERVONI — BOARD MEMBER
- MIROSLAV RAKIC — TREASURER
- NICOLE STASZAK — SECRETARY
- PETER HERMAN — BOARD MEMBER
- SANDRA CALANDRA — BOARD MEMBER
- TRACY FRICANO CHALMERS — BOARD MEMBER
relationships · 44
Who they work with
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Partner — Participates in the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to provide call and text-based crisis support.
- Agilon Health Partner — VP, Enterprise Analytics from Agilon Health serves as Treasurer on the Agency Board of Directors
- Area hospitals Partner — Partners with area hospitals to provide on-site forensic services through the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) program.
- Catholic Health System Partner — General Counsel from Catholic Health System serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- City of Buffalo Government — Save Our Streets Task Coordinator from the City of Buffalo serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- Community Services for Every1 Partner — President/CEO of Community Services for Every1 serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- CoreTrust Partner — Account Executive, Public Sector from CoreTrust serves as Foundation Board Member
- Crisis Services Foundation, Inc. Network — Charitable corporation established to support the operations of Crisis Services.
- Department of Health Government — Director, Public Health Planning & Emergency Preparedness from Niagara County Department of Health serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- ECMC Partner — Provides mobile transitional services for individuals recently released from psychiatric inpatient stays at ECMC.
- Emergency mental health services in Erie County Partner — Works with emergency mental health service providers to enhance coordination with law enforcement during mental health crises.
- Erie County Medical Center Government — Senior Vice President of Operations from Erie County Medical Center serves as Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors
- Gerard Place Partner — President/CEO of Gerard Place serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- Hoffman Hanafin Insurance Partner — Director/Business Development from Hoffman Hanafin Insurance serves as Foundation Board Member
- Howard Hanna Real Estate Partner — Real Estate Salesperson from Howard Hanna Real Estate serves as Foundation Board Member
- Independent Health Association Partner — Director, Human Resources Compliance from Independent Health Association serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- Jericho Road Community Health Center Partner — Director of Advancement from Jericho Road Community Health Center serves as Foundation Board Member
- Kaleida Health Partner — Birth Equity Coordinator from Kaleida Health serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- Law Office of Francis M. Letro Partner — Office Manager/Paralegal from Law Office of Francis M. Letro serves as Foundation Board Member
- Legal community in Erie County Partner — Engages legal community representatives to align cross-system responses for individuals with mental illness.
- Local and state government in Erie County Government — Collaborates with local and state government entities on policy and operational improvements in mental health crisis response.
- Local police departments in Erie County Partner — Co-locates case managers at several police departments in Erie County to support survivors of violence.
- M&T Bank Partner — Retired executive from M&T Bank serves as Agency Board Member at-large
- MJD Strategic Marketing & Communications Partner — President of MJD Strategic Marketing & Communications serves as Foundation Board Member
- NYS Office of Victim Services Government — Links survivors to compensation and services through the NYS Office of Victim Services.
- New York State Department of Health Government — Awarded a Regional Sexual Violence Prevention Center grant to Crisis Services as lead agency in a tri-county collaboration.
- People Inc. Partner — Vice President, Quality Improvement from People Inc. serves on the Agency Board of Directors
- Police agencies in Erie County Partner — Collaborates with police agencies to develop Crisis Intervention Training Teams and improve joint response to mental health crises.
- Psychiatric hospitals in Erie County Partner — Partners with psychiatric hospitals to coordinate emergency mental health services and improve system-wide response.
- RESTORE Sexual Assault Services of Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York Partner — Collaborates with Crisis Services on regional sexual violence prevention initiatives as part of a tri-county grant program.
+ 14 more
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Crisis Diversion Through Mobile Outreachmethodology: crisis_diversionBy using mobile outreach to connect individuals in mental health crisis directly with appropriate services, the organization diverts them from emergency rooms and jails, because accessible, community-based crisis response reduces harmful system entanglement and improves care continuity.
- Critical Incident Stress Management for Trauma Responsemethodology: cism-based-trauma-responseBy applying CISM protocols immediately after a traumatic event, the organization reduces acute stress symptoms and prevents long-term mental health conditions like PTSD, because timely, structured psychological first aid supports natural recovery processes.
- Early Intervention in Crisis to Prevent Chronic Mental Health Conditionsmethodology: early_intervention_for_traumaBy intervening early during or immediately after a crisis, the organization prevents the development of long-term mental health disorders such as PTSD and anxiety, because early support disrupts the trajectory from acute distress to chronic illness.
- Law Enforcement–Mental Health Collaborationmethodology: law-enforcement–mental-health-collaborationBy training law enforcement through Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) programs and improving coordination with mental health agencies, the organization improves outcomes during crisis encounters, because specialized training reduces escalation and increases safe, therapeutic resolutions.
- Public Health Approach to Violence Preventionmethodology: public_health_approachBy addressing root causes and social determinants of sexual and domestic violence through cross-agency collaboration, prevention education, and systems change, the organization aims to reduce incidence and improve community response, because systemic change produces sustainable prevention outcomes.