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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2008
CONTACT:
Lindsay Paulette-Chapman
703-516-6016
Local Residents Step Up to Save Lives and Prevent Tragedies through Volunteer Service
Meaningful volunteer experience has an immediate, positive impact on the lives of those in need. The Winter Training Class begins Saturday, February 2, 2008.
WHO: Area 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 Winter Training Class on Saturday, February 2, 2008. The program, which includes 50 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 Hotlines. CrisisLink’s training regimen is nationally recognized and has been cited as a model for other crisis center training programs around the country.
WHEN:The first of 10 sessions in the 50-hour training program will be held Saturday, February 2, 2008. All sessions are held during evenings and weekends to accommodate regular work schedules. View a detailed training schedule.
The selection process for the Winter Training Class is currently underway. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply online today. Upon submitting an application, applicants should contact the 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 from Washington, D.C. 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 27,532 calls.
WHY: CrisisLink operates several Hotlines around the clock to support anyone facing a life crisis or suicide and to connect them to community resources. The Hotlines are answered by highly trained volunteers and the need for volunteers has never been greater. “As our call volume continues to increase at dramatic rates—78% in the last 3 years alone, 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 100 current and thousands of past volunteers, all of whom are dedicated to helping people in need when they need it the most. Call 703-527-6016 or e-mail us to learn how you can help answer calls from those in need.
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, provided a quarter of a million referrals, and answered over 20,000 calls concerning suicide. 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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