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Adult Help Line:
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972.233.2233
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Teen Help Line:
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972.233.TEEN
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Español Help Line:
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972.233.2428
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Our newest program helps to extend our services in all areas
to the Spanish-speaking community. Currently, this rapidly
growing population is also one of the more underserved groups
in the Dallas metroplex in crisis intervention services.
A generous challenge grant from the Meadows Foundation allow
us to begin recruiting and training bilingual volunteers to
staff two call lines in the Susan and Ben Odom Call Center in
January 2009. We are one of only 10 crisis centers in the
nation to bring these important services to the Latino community.
This program will create awareness of the services and available
resources and fill a gap in service delivery in our community.
For more information on serving as a bilingual volunteer,
click here now.
1. How many volunteers are needed to launch the program?
2. What are the requirements for volunteering?
3. Why do people call the crisis lines?
4. What can volunteers expect to gain from their experience at CONTACT?
5. How will the new Spanish speaking lines be promoted within the Hispanic community?
6. How many calls do you expect to receive on the Spanish speaking lines?
7. How will the program continue to be funded?
In order to effectively launch the Spanish speaking phone lines during limited
hours, we must have 50 trained volunteers at all times. Bilingual volunteers
will be trained to handle calls in both English and Spanish.
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Crisis line specialists must be at least 18 years of age and participate
in a 40 hour training program which includes 26 hours of classroom training
and 14 hours of internship. Volunteers are trained in active listening
skills and use of the Rogerian model. In addition, volunteers are asked
to participate in continuing education seminars from time to time for
recertification.
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Many of our callers suffer from depression and other mental health issues
and have little support in their lives. They often just need someone to
listen to them and help them realize there are options and resources they
use to help with their problems. Other callers have relationship issues,
are victims of abuse or violence have substance abuse problems or medical
or financial issues. About 5% of our callers are suicidal, and our
volunteers are trained to recognize someone who is lethal and seek the
appropriate help from community officials, when necessary.
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Virtually all of our volunteers express that they receive more than they
give in their volunteer experience in the Call Center. Volunteers tell
us that the skills learned during training, and used on the phone with
callers, enhance their personal and professional lives immensely. It
teaches them to truly listen to and empower others to decide what course
of action to take. Many use the skills with spouses, children, and
co-workers, etc. and see significant improvement in their relationships with others.
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Public announcements through Hispanic media including newspapers and magazines,
television, radio and internet outlets will serve as the main information
channel for the new service. As well participation in community events and
outreach activities to educate others as to our available services.
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Based on current volume thus far this year, we will receive approximately
40,000 calls in 2008. Using estimates based on historical data with no
promotion of our Spanish speaking phone lines, we anticipate between
6,000-10,000 additional calls per year once the lines are launched and
announced in the community.
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CONTACT is 100% privately funded, accepting no government or United Way
funding. The agency continually seeks new sources of funding from foundations,
businesses and corporations and private individuals. The Community
Engagement program represents an opportunity for these funders to
participate in a new program that truly impacts those not being served
in the community.
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Do you need help now?
If you are in crisis or need immediate
help, please call our crisis line now.
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If this is a
life-threatening
emergency,
call 9-1-1
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