HMA is proud to spotlight Kindy Michael-Samaroo, a Healthy Minds Alliance member serving with 211 Broward. Since December 2023, Kindy has been serving on the 988 Crisis Lines with 211 Broward, providing empathetic support and active listening for callers in mental health crises.
Kindy has enjoyed working closely with her site supervisors and serving alongside individuals working at 211 Broward. Kindy credits her site supervisors for supporting her and the other folks on the crisis call lines and encouraging them to prioritize their health and mental wellness while helping others. Kindy has also gained insight and knowledge into the non-profit organizations and resources in the local area to assist callers in crisis. Kindy shared, "I think it’s amazing that there are so many organizations dedicated to helping others." Kindy has also learned about, and worked with, other departments within 211 Broward including programs dedicated to supporting veterans, children with behavioral or mental health conditions, and elderly people (through the Touchline program).
The most fulfilling part of Kindy's service term has been the help that she gives and the positive reception she receives from callers. Each day, Kindy aims to help people and to make the world a better place, and she enjoys seeing the positive impacts that her service has on the callers. Kindy noted, "I’ve had many callers say things like “You’re so kind,” “You’re awesome,” “You’ve helped me a lot,” and “If I call back, I hope I get you again.” I feel fulfilled knowing that I’m helping people and providing a safe space for them. It gives me a sense of purpose knowing that my efforts are paying off."
After completing her service term, Kindy is hoping to join the 211 Broward team as a full-time employee, to continue her work providing empathetic listening and emotional support to those who need it. Eventually, Kindy plans to earn her PhD. in Psychology, researching and providing counseling services to those who need it. Kindy said, "My service experience has more strongly encouraged me to pursue these future plans because it has helped me to gain a stronger understanding of how passionate I am about helping people who are experiencing mental health struggles."
Kindy reflected, "I am most proud of the positive reception I get from callers, and I’m proud that I’ve stepped outside of my comfort zone for this service opportunity. I’m normally one to get social anxiety and phone anxiety, especially when talking to so many strangers. However, I’m passionate about mental health and eager to provide support to people who are in crisis. I decided to face my fears and fully commit to this role, and I’m so happy I decided to do that. I have grown so much in this role, and I’m continuing to grow every day. I’m so proud that I didn’t allow my fears and anxieties to hold me back!"
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