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OUR STORY

Building a Stronger Future, One Life at a Time

No one should have to face life’s toughest moments alone. Western Lane Crisis Association exists to ensure that crisis support and essential community resources remain accessible when they’re needed most. Through funding, advocacy, and collaboration, we strengthen the programs that provide immediate relief and long-term stability. Because when we come together, we create a stronger, more resilient future for all.

Crisis Care, When It’s Needed Most

Why It Matters

Western Lane Crisis Response plays an essential role in the well-being of our community. Every call answered, every person reached, every resource delivered reflects our commitment to safety, mental health, and healing. Our work helps reduce pressure on emergency systems, supports public safety, and ensures that help is both human-centered and accessible.

We are more than a service—we’re a lifeline.

About Western Lane Crisis Response

When someone is facing a mental health crisis or life-altering event, Western Lane Crisis Response is there—24/7. Our trained responders provide immediate, on-the-ground support to individuals and families navigating some of their most vulnerable moments. From de-escalating crisis situations to providing follow-up care and connection to vital resources, we make sure no one faces crisis alone.

We don’t just respond—we show up with compassion, clarity, and action. Our program is built on trusted relationships within the community and backed by evidence-based practices. Whether it’s helping someone through a moment of acute distress or guiding them toward long-term solutions, our impact is real, visible, and lasting.

Compassion in Action

Community First

Sustainable Impact

We’re committed to long-term solutions. By securing funding, expanding education, and fostering collaboration, we ensure that crisis response remains strong—now and for future generations.

Every individual deserves support during life’s toughest moments. Through advocacy, funding, and outreach, we ensure that crisis care remains accessible to those who need it most.

Strong communities are built on connection. We partner with local organizations, responders, and advocates to create a lasting network of support and resilience.

Board of directors

With a heart for service and a passion for advocacy, Melissa has spent over two decades in Florence, making a lasting impact in her community. Beginning as a volunteer firefighter and water rescue diver, she found her calling in crisis response and mental health advocacy. Her dedication led her to Western Lane Crisis Response, where she quickly rose to the role of Client Advocate and now serves as the WLCR Program Manager.

Beyond her work, Melissa finds joy in the sun, warm water, and photography. She believes in fostering resilience, supporting those in crisis, and ensuring that no one has to navigate life’s toughest moments alone.

Melissa

President
Dedicated Advocate & Crisis Responder

Cindy’s journey to Western Lane Crisis Response began with a deep commitment to helping others and building a stronger, more connected community. After relocating to Florence with her family, she brought her passion for resilience, teamwork, and advocacy to the crisis response field. Starting as a part-time Responder, she quickly advanced to a full-time Client Advocate and is now the Assistant Manager.

Balancing her professional role with family life, Cindy understands the importance of support systems and accessibility to resources. She is dedicated to ensuring individuals and families receive the help they need, reinforcing the belief that no one should navigate life’s challenges alone.

Cindy

Vice President
Compassionate Leader & Crisis Responder

Margaret’s path to Western Lane Crisis Association is grounded in a lifelong commitment to service and connection.

After moving to Florence 21 years ago, she immediately immersed herself in the community—volunteering with Peace Harbor Hospital, supporting local theatre productions, and serving with Friends of Florence Van Fans. When she saw an opportunity to join the Crisis Response Team, she knew it was the next meaningful step.

Margaret began as a part-time Responder, bringing empathy and steadiness to those in crisis. Today, she continues to support the mission as WLCA’s Treasurer, ensuring that the team has the resources and stability needed to continue this vital work. Her dedication reflects a simple belief: everyone deserves help, hope, and a hand to hold when it matters most.

Margart 

Treasurer

Amanda brings a calm, compassionate presence to crisis response—blending creativity, empathy, and trauma-informed care.

With a background in music and years of experience in both artistic and therapeutic spaces, Amanda approaches each call with a deep commitment to listening, supporting, and empowering others. Their work is grounded in client-centered values and a belief in human resilience.

Outside of crisis response, Amanda is passionate about nature and environmental advocacy. Their leadership in community spaces reflects a dedication to building inclusive, healing-centered environments where people can feel seen, supported, and safe.

Amanda

Secretary

Mary’s journey in community service began in 2012 when she joined Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Responder. Her commitment and leadership led her to a full-time administrative position in 2015. In addition to serving two years on the Community Support Team, Mary now plays an essential role in supporting Western Lane Crisis Response, bringing compassion, care, and consistency to every aspect of her work.

A Florence resident since 2002, Mary finds joy in gardening, hiking, and spending time with her three children, eight grandsons, and one granddaughter. Deeply rooted in the community, she’s proud to serve and support the place she calls home.

Mary

Board Director

Meet the Team: The People on the Front Lines

At Western Lane Crisis Response, our team is the heartbeat of our mission—showing up every day to support individuals and families in their most vulnerable moments. With specialized training in crisis intervention, advocacy, and trauma-informed care, each responder brings compassion, skill, and strength to every call. Together, we provide critical support, restore calm in chaos, and ensure that no one in our community has to navigate crisis alone

Program Manager/Crisis Responder

Melissa

Assistant Manager/Crisis Responder

Cindy

Crisis Responder

Lori

Client Advocate/Crisis Responder

Kristy

Youth Client Advocate

Donna

Crisis Responder

Missy

Crisis Responder

Tami

Crisis Responder

Jeff

Crisis Responder

Shana

Crisis Responder

Amanda

Stories of Impact: How Your Support Changes Lives

Behind every crisis response and community support initiative are real lives transformed for the better. Your generosity ensures these vital services remain available, offering hope, healing, and stability to those who need it most.

“I didn’t know where to turn, but WLCA’s support for crisis services made sure help was there when I needed it most. That lifeline gave me the strength to rebuild and move forward.”

Your support fuels life-changing crisis response and long-term community resilience.

Be Part of the Mission

Our work is only possible with the support of people like you. Whether you contribute time, resources, or simply help spread the word, every effort makes a difference in strengthening crisis response in our community. Together, we can ensure that no one faces a crisis alone.

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