Lines for Life

Cause Area

  • Children & Youth
  • Crisis Support
  • Veterans & Military Families

Location

(administrative offices)5100 SW MacadamPortland, OR 97239 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

Lines for Life exists to prevent suicide and substance abuse.

Description

Lines for Life operates 24/7 crisis lines including the Oregon Alcohol and Drug HelpLine 1-800-923-HELP, the Military Helpline 888-457-4838, the City of Portland Lifeline 503-972-3456 and a peer-to-peer YouthLine 1-877-553-TEEN, as well as taking calls with 988 (formerly the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline).


We are excited to announce that our adult volunteer program has returned to in-office work. We are in the process of rebuilding our program slowly and will be hosting trainings incrementally through 2023. Please see our website for details and sign up on our mailing list for more information: https://www.linesforlife.org/volunteer/

Reviews

Would you recommend Lines for Life?
11 reviews Write a review
by Leslie G. (2017-09-10 10:07:37.0)
I say this a lot about Lines for Life: the only privilege greater than serving beside the extraordinary staff and volunteers there is the privilege of serving people in need. From training to support to the culture of Lines, the environment and team mentality are what make this work possible. My first shift after training included a call from a person in deep crisis. It was a very long, very challenging night. From early in the conversation the supervisors engaged to support me as I worked to build rapport with the caller. There was no way to do it alone, and I went home that night with the most profound confidence in the staff and their abilities to gather together and show up in spades for the caller and for me. This work, with this organization, makes me feel so proud.
by Ken S. (2017-09-07 16:33:38.0)
I have volunteered over a year now and I can't see myself stopping. They provide training and ongoing reviews to make sure that I have all the tools I need to succeed. It is wonderful knowing that I truly am helping people in crisis. And everyone on staff is incredibly caring and supportive.
by Eliza M. (2016-03-17 13:18:45.0)
I volunteered at Lines for Life once a week for a year (and currently volunteer on-call or once a month.) It's a wonderful organization doing important work. The volunteer training was very thorough, and the supervisors are helpful and supportive. I've learned so many valuable skills during my time here. I highly recommend volunteering for this organization.
by Juliette H. (2016-03-14 10:35:39.0)
Lines for Life is an incredible organization. I find volunteering and answering crisis lines truly fulfilling. I enjoy how varied the calls can be, since volunteers answer calls for a variety of crisis lines. I also feel that I am making a concrete, positive impact to the callers of the crisis line. I appreciated that Lines for Life gave me ample training at the start, and continues to provide me with additional training and support. The organization is also well organized and flexible in terms of timing, which has allowed me to volunteer on a weekly basis for over 2 years. Finally, I have made some wonderful friends among the other volunteers and the staff at Lines for Life. Volunteering at Lines for Life has truly been life-altering for me. Highly recommended!
by Emily M. (2016-03-08 15:53:12.0)
This is a great organization to align with. They are extremely supportive of the staff and volunteers. The work I've done as a volunteer has been fulfilling and life altering. The training is comprehensive and supportive and no prior experience with crisis work is required. This was a big plus because all I entered those doors with was a willing heart. The people that call in are in high need and what a wonderful thing it is to know that we are there for them. I could share many experiences in which I know that we saved lives and that is the greatest gift of all. Very Highly recommend!!!
by Melody J. (2015-03-11 18:31:00.0)
Volunteering at Lines for Life has been a life-altering experience for me. The training was great, and the people you work with and volunteer with are some of the best people I know. The experience has left me a more compassionate and empathic person. It is worth it!
by Matt M. (2014-11-26 15:50:54.0)
This organization gives you a lot of valuable training before taking calls. The staff and other volunteers create a supportive environment. Answering calls gives me a chance to show empathy and understanding to people facing hard times in their lives. At the end of a call, it's a great feeling knowing how much of an impact you've made on someones life. Talking to people in a suicidal crisis sounds intimidating but it's very rewarding work and you will have plenty of support.
by leah g. (2014-03-03 16:15:09.0)
I get to use my natural compassion to really make a difference for people who are in crisis. I got great training here and felt well-prepared to be helpful to callers. I've been answering calls for over a year and will keep at it - I get to be truly, immediately useful and the staff here is super helpful, supportive, and they work with my schedule. I love going to my shift - which may sound strange for a crisis line volunteer, but it's a satisfying and meaningful part of my week.
by Rebecca W. (2013-08-30 15:07:59.0)
This is a great place to volunteer! You will receive invaluable training, and be surrounded by an amazing group of people. Every volunteer shift I leave feeling like I've made a difference to someone; what could be better than that??
by Barb B. (2013-08-28 15:13:12.0)
This is a great organization to volunteer for! Every shift I leave with the feeling that I have made a positive difference for someone else. There is a team philosophy, where everyone is an equal member of the team as well as one of the most supportive work environments I have been part of. If you want to make a difference in people's lives, you will get that opportunity here.
by Nichole B. (2013-08-28 14:00:51.0)
The training you will reserve is one of the best! The people are great. And it is just a great place to touch peoples lives whether its callers or the people you will being vounlteering with!

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