by Jessica Ellis
Daily Cougar StaffLike a good friend, Crisis Hotline volunteers "always seem to say the right thing" when someone needs emotional support, 24 hours a day, seven days week.
The quote from above was taken from a message received by the Crisis Intervention of Houston Inc., a United Way Agency dedicated to helping people in crisis through counseling, referrals, interventions and education.
Since December 1970, Crisis Hotline has received more than 1 million calls from people in crisis, said CIH community relations director Emma V. Chambers.
Hotline callers want to speak with someone who will listen to their concerns without passing judgment, Chambers said. Volunteers do not give advice, but help the callers come to their own decision.
"The callers usually know what they want to do, but they just need to have their feelings validated," Chambers said.
Calls to Crisis Hotline, Teenline and Spanish Hotline are completely confidential.
Hotline volunteers are compassionate, caring, nonjudgmental individuals willing to give four hours each week to aid those in crisis, Chambers said.
Hotline volunteers represent a cross-section of our community, including the legal, teaching, mental health and engineering professions, as well as retirees, students and homemakers.
Sarah Jones, CIH staff member and Crisis Hotline volunteer, has worked on the Hotline for two and one-half years because she likes to make a difference in the community.
"Many people have the misconception that we are a suicide hotline," Chambers said. "Although we receive suicide calls, they only account for 3 percent of the over 55,000 calls we receive on an annual basis."
Jones, a 23-year-old University of Houston graduate, said many people call about relationship problems.
"Unfortunately, some people don't have tons of family and friends to listen to them," she said. "Anytime they need to talk, we're here."
The top five reasons for Crisis Hotline calls are relationship problems; emotional problems; hunger, shelter, financial and unemployment; alcohol and drugs; and depression.
CIH is holding an orientation session for anyone interested in becoming a Hotline volunteer. The session is at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Montrose Library, 4100 Montrose.
Volunteer service may be completed at the Central Houston or Bay Area Office. Training is provided at both locations.
Training classes are held five times a year. Volunteers complete an extensive 53-hour training program encompassing 33 hours of classroom instruction and 20 hours of on-line observation, Chambers said.
During the classroom phase, experts speak on domestic violence, homosexuality, grief, suicide and substance abuse. Role play is also used, preparing trainees for the types of calls they will receive.
In the observation phase, trainees are paired with experienced volunteers for five four-hour sessions. Observation gives trainees practical on-the-job training while under supervision, she said.
After successfully completing training, volunteers commit one four-hour shift per week for a minimum of one year.
Many callers are not aware of the services available in the community. The Crisis database contains more than 2,000 governmental, nonprofit and social service agencies and support groups.
Those interested in attending the session should call the Crisis Intervention at 527-9864.
Volunteer information and applications are available by mail for those interested and who are unable to attend the orientation.