Volunteer Telephone Counselor RESPONSE of Suffolk County

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Volunteer as a telephone crisis counselor with Response of Suffolk County and see for yourself how challenging and rewarding an experience it can be!

We respond to over 19,000 calls per year. The calls can be about anything - loneliness, grief, substance abuse, family conflict, suicidal thoughts, etc. - last year close to 800 were suicide-related. We also provide referrals to community resources.
Often we're the first to hear a caller's secrets - there are many struggles that people don't like to discuss with even the best of friends - sexual orientation, STDs, marital difficulties, sexual abuse - and that's when a stranger can make the best listener.
We also make telephone "visits" to people who are isolated due to a physical disability or mental illness.
Many volunteers speak of the need to "give something back".
How do most calls end? With a warm and sincere "Thank you!"

Interested volunteers must attend a 25 hr support skills training program. Those invited into the program are asked to commit to a 4-hour weekly shift for 6 months. No experience is necessary, only the desire to help others.

Terms: Car Required