Become A Voice To Those In Distress

TOMS RIVER, N.J. - Sept. 5, 2023 - PRLog -- Have you ever been told you are a good listener? Do you possess a strong desire to create a meaningful impact? CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties (CONTACT) will be hosting a Crisis Hotline Volunteer Training beginning Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Training will take place twice a week every Tuesday and Thursday for 6 weeks from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in person at St. Luke's Roman Catholic Church, 1674 Old Freehold Road, Toms River.

CONTACT is a 24-hour Crisis Intervention/Listening telephone service. "We are here for anyone who is in trouble, lonely, depressed, and suicidal or someone who just needs a person to listen to them," stated Kim Santora, Executive Director of CONTACT. Volunteers are as close as a telephone call away, 24 hours each day of the year, to listen and respond to the lonely, hurting people of the community. All calls are free, confidential and anonymous.

​​Participation in the training programs is both challenging and rewarding. "This training and volunteering opportunity is ideal for retirees, empty-nesters, stay-at-home parents," said Santora. "Many of our listeners were looking for something meaningful to do after they retired, or their children left home. They find that volunteering at CONTACT not only gives them something to do with their new-found freedom, but also gives them a sense of reward when they help someone in crisis."

September is Suicide Prevention month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations including CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counites, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. Become a voice to those in distress and make a difference in your community.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, needs help or a listening ear, please call CONTACT's 24/7 Crisis Hotline at 732-240-6100.

For more information about CONTACT and to register for the volunteer training, please call 732-240-6104 or email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org.

About CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties
CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is a non-profit charitable organization that provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24 hours every day. This volunteer-based organization offers free confidential crisis intervention, information on available resources, and referrals to community services. To learn more, visit https://ContactOceanMonmouth.org.