(uplifting music) - Robert's Place is a nonprofit organization that provides spiritual, emotional, and physical relief for all people, but especially for Pacific Islanders in crisis.

And here to tell us more about the organization and its resources is CEO Dottie Alo.

Hi, Dottie.

Thanks so much for being here.

So first, why is it called Robert's Place?

- It's named after our son.

We lost him to death by suicide in 2019, and we decided as Pacific Islanders that maybe we could spend some time with our own communities, tell our story, and see what we can do to help so that others don't suffer like our family did.

- Okay, and tell me what makes your organization different from others that help with suicide prevention?

- Our focus is really on Pacific Islander communities.

We definitely help many others, but by working with our own as well as with faith leaders and our own community-based organizations, we're gonna give them more time of emphasis and access to resources, not only at our physical office but also through social media, online resources, so they can look into the information in the privacy of their own home.

- Okay, okay.

And you're part of the Utah State Suicide Prevention Coalition.

- Yes, so part of the State Suicide Prevention Coalition as well as that of Salt Lake County Suicide Prevention Coalition, we decided as a Pacific Islander group that we needed to make sure that our voices are heard.

We do fill a gap, which was actually noted in the plan.

And we thought, you know what?

This is our turn to be able to be a part of something that's really important in this to help support the plan as we help our own people.

- Oh, that's wonderful.

And how do people take advantage of your services?

- They would be able to hear about us on our website, under Robert's Place, as well as through our social media.

We also do special events and then we're good to go throughout the whole year.

- Well, Dotty, thank you so much for founding it and for being here.

Thank you for what you do.

- You're welcome.

- And if you would like to know more about Robert's Place Suicide Prevention, very easy website, robertsplace.org.

That's robertsplace.org.

I'm Mary Dickson, thanks for watching "Contact".

(uplifting music) - Local events, arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Mary Dickson.

Here on Contact, we introduce you to local events and organizations that serve your neighborhood.

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