Crisis Text Line, founded by DoSomething.org CEO Nancy Lublin, is expanding its services to select cities across the country with the aim of offering nationwide service in 2014.
Common Ground was chosen to
participate because of the success and expertise of its Crisis Telephone Line,
online Crisis Text platform and CTL specialists, addressing more than
50,000 calls in
2012.
Lisa Turbeville, manager of Common Ground’s
Crisis Telephone Line, said the partnership with Crisis Text Line, Inc. was a
natural next step in expanding the services of the agency’s
Online Crisis Text program.
“We are constantly seeking
innovative ways to provide support to our community, close the gaps and link
people to services,” said Turbeville. “We’ve wanted to provide Crisis
Chat and Text services for several
years. It gives us the opportunity to reach out to those we may not
otherwise get to connect with.”
The project addresses the
need for teens to be able to reach out for help via text and receive it (also
via text) from trained professionals. Many teens find it difficult to
communicate about their feelings in a
face to face situation. But now the ability to talk electronically — either
online or by texting —has become a way for teens to share what’s going on in
their lives and reach out for
help.
“We see
Crisis Text and Chat services as a vital piece to help people move from crisis
to hope and we are honored to work with Crisis Text Line, Inc. to provide these much needed services to our
community, state and across the country,” said Turbeville.
Instead of setting up a staff
of in-house responders, DoSomething.org is collaborating with partner
organizations to actually provide the crisis counseling. Trained specialists will respond to teens, whether
they need a supportive listener, resources or help planning how to stay safe
and healthy.
By getting as many partners onboard as possible,
information will be at the fingertips of
counselors more quickly in those critical moments when someone needs help
immediately.
How it works:
· A teen texts “hello” to 741741 anywhere, anytime;
· A live, trained specialist receives the text and
responds quickly;
· The specialist helps the teen stay safe and healthy
with effective, secure counseling and referrals through text message using
CTL’s platform.
In anticipation of the
increased call/text volume, Common Ground is looking for community members who
are interested in the experience of volunteering on the Crisis Telephone line and/or the
Crisis Chat/Text line. Free, comprehensive training is provided. For more information about volunteering, call Cheryl Ross
at (248) 451-2614.
