There's help when a professional crisis strikes.

The WE CARE Network was started in 1987 to help terminated Y professionals cope with stress and loneliness. Since its inception, the network has responded to more than 500 people who need support.

The network is not a grievance process, nor do its AYP responders take sides. Responders will not intervene with a terminated person's staff members or volunteer supervisor; give advice on legal issues, separation negotiations or career decisions or serve as job placement counselors.

If you know of a Y professional who has been terminated, get the basic information (release date, circumstances, phone number and address of the terminated person) and call the AYP National Office at (401) 604-0034.

Within 24 hours of notification,

• the AYP Executive Director will phone the terminated person and provide caring and nonjudgmental support to the individual.
• A follow-up WE CARE Resource Packet, including articles and AYP resource materials will then be mailed.
• The AYP Director will phone the terminated person's Chapter President and share general information about the separation as well as observations from his initial conversation with the individual.
• Finally, the chapter president or designate contacts the terminated person to see how the terminated person is coping and to provide additional emotional support.
• The AYP executive director may ask a second person to contact the terminated employee as well.