Burlington Contact Crisis Line Presentation

Posted by Linda Mackey

on Mar 09, 2016

Theresa Tobey and David Heron presented the club with vital information from the Burlington County CONTACT Crisis line. Both Theresa and David spoke about how they came to volunteer/work at CONTACT and some different situations they have encountered. Theresa has been with CONTACT 39 years and David has been there 11 years.

CONTACT offers a 24/7 hotline to anyone needing guidance, comfort, or emergency assistance. Some calls they receive are from someone lonely and needing comfort; some callers need a place to stay or help with their utilities; and some calls are from individuals in crisis such as suicide or domestic abuse. Many of their callers are the elderly, but they receive calls from school age children and up as well.

All volunteers receive 35 hours of training. The Reassurance program provides a daily call to check in on homebound persons. Their KidsLine is available to kids home alone after school. Specially trained volunteers provide assistance in the RAIN program to sexual assault victims as well as to the victims' family. Pet owners who have lost their pets and become depressed are offered support through CONTACT. Surprising to hear was that the highest rate of suicides are in the elderly population.

CONTACT is always looking for volunteers; no experience needed, just compassion.