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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Lindsay Paulette-Chapman, 703-527-6016
Save Lives and Prevent Tragedies Through Volunteer Service
Volunteers obtain meaningful experience while making immediate,
positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Arlington, VA (July 15, 2008)--Are you looking for meaningful experience as a volunteer? Well, look no further! CrisisLink’s nationally recognized Volunteer Hotline Listener training program will begin its Summer Training Class on Saturday, August 9th.
WHO: Local residents age 21 or above, who are committed to saving lives and preventing tragedies, and seeking meaningful volunteer experiences, are encouraged to apply for a position as a Volunteer Hotline Listener.
WHAT: CrisisLink’s nationally recognized Volunteer Hotline Listener training program will begin its Summer Training Class on Saturday, August 9, 2008. The program, which includes 60 hours of training over 10 sessions, trains community members to be qualified Volunteer Hotline Listeners and empowers these volunteers to save lives and prevent tragedies through service on CrisisLink’s crisis and suicide prevention Hotlines. CrisisLink’s training program is nationally recognized and has been cited as a model for other crisis center training programs around the country.
WHY: Thanks to our highly trained volunteers, our crisis and suicide prevention Hotlines operate around the clock to support individuals facing a life crisis or suicide, and connects them to community resources, empowering individuals to help themselves.
During these trying economic times, the need for volunteers has never been greater. “As our call volume continues to increase at dramatic rates—65% since 2004, the need for volunteers has never been greater! More and more trained Volunteer Hotline Listeners are needed to keep up with the growth in call volume,” says Lindsay Paulette-Chapman, CrisisLink’s Hotline & Volunteer Manager. New volunteers will join a family of nearly 100 current and thousands of past volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to helping people in need when they need it the most.
WHEN: The first of 10 sessions in the 60-hour training program will be held Saturday, August 9, 2008. All sessions are held during evenings and weekends to accommodate regular work schedules. View a detailed training schedule.
The selection process for the Summer Training Class is currently underway. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online today. Upon submitting an application, applicants should contact, Lindsay Paulette-Chapman, CrisisLink’s Hotline & Volunteer Manager electronically or by phone at 703-527-6016 to schedule an interview.
WHERE: All training sessions are held in Arlington, Virginia, and CrisisLink’s office is located in Arlington. However, CrisisLink’s Hotlines answer calls from across Northern Virginia and the District of Columbia. CrisisLink also provides backup Hotline service to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, parts of North Carolina, and nationally through the National Lifeline program. Last year, Hotline Listeners answered more than 27,000 calls.
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CrisisLink saves lives and prevents tragedies every day by providing those facing life crises, trauma, and suicide with support, information, and links to community resources. Since 1969, CrisisLink has fielded over half a million calls, answered more than 25,000 calls concerning suicide, and provided a quarter of a million referrals. CrisisLink provides youth and senior outreach programs; community training on mental health and suicide prevention; the first comprehensive postvention program in the region with immediate support and support groups for survivors of sudden and traumatic loss; and training for professionals and community members. CrisisLink answers 703-527-4077, 1-800-SUICIDE, and 1-800-273-TALK. For more information, please visit http://www.CrisisLink.org.
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