Recognize when you need additional support.
You don’t have to navigate a difficult situation alone. Reach out when you need guidance, someone needs additional care, or you’re unsure what to do next.
In an emergency, get immediate help first
Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, a suicide attempt is underway, or there is a medical emergency. Do not wait for a response from Anna or the Care Team.
For suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or help supporting someone in crisis, call or text 988. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline yourself when you’re worried about another person. 988 Lifeline guidance
If someone says they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone while help is being arranged, provided you can remain safely. Follow emergency responders’ instructions and do not put yourself or others in danger. National Institute of Mental Health guidance
After immediate help is underway, contact Anna as soon as it is safe to do so.
Understand the “Three Hurts”
At Relevant, confidentiality has limits when someone’s safety is involved. Leaders must involve appropriate help when someone shares physical abuse:
“I’m hurting myself.”
“Someone is hurting me.”
“I’m hurting someone else.”
These concerns should not remain only between you and the person sharing. Respond to immediate danger first, fulfill any required reporting to authorities, and involve Anna promptly.
You can say:
“Thank you for telling me. I care about you, and this is something I can’t keep just between us. We need to involve people who can help.”
Share information only with those who need it to help protect and support the people involved. Avoid discussing the situation with the wider group.
Understand when a report to authorities is required
Relevant’s three hurts policy does not replace legal reporting requirements. Telling Anna or another church staff member is not a substitute for making a legally required report.
In Nebraska, anyone who has reason to believe a child has been abused or neglected must report the concern. Contact the Nebraska Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-652-1999. Do not wait for proof or church approval before reporting. Nebraska DHHS reporting guidance
Concerns about abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult can also be reported through 800-652-1999. Legal reporting duties depend on the circumstances and the reporter’s role; Nebraska DHHS provides guidance through Adult Protective Services. Adult Protective Services
If the situation is outside Nebraska, use the appropriate local reporting agency and requirements. In immediate danger, call 911 first.
Reach out before you feel overwhelmed
Contact Anna when:
Someone shares a need beyond what you feel equipped to handle.
You’re unsure how to respond or connect someone with care.
A group tension continues despite your efforts to address it.
You have questions about confidentiality or what information to share.
Someone’s needs are becoming more than you can sustainably carry.
You need help thinking through a sensitive conversation.
You don’t have to wait until a concern becomes a crisis. Asking for guidance early is part of caring wisely.
Connect people with the Care Team
For ongoing support with grief, marriage or family struggles, mental health concerns, addiction, or hardship, help the person connect with Relevant’s Care Team.
Visit relevantcommunity.org/careteam, text NEED HELP to 55444, or contact Nick Petrick at nick@relevantcommunity.org.
These are pathways for ongoing care, not substitutes for emergency services.
How to contact Anna
Email: anna@relevantcommunity.org
Leaders who already have Anna’s personal number may also call or text her directly.
Briefly explain what happened, whether there is a current safety concern, and what help has already been contacted. Share sensitive details directly rather than in a group message.
For an emergency, do not rely on email, text, or voicemail to obtain immediate help.