Joshua Merritt grew up with a love for language and performance. They write and perform poetry, play live music, and have spent their career as a project manager bringing that same attention to craft and detail into their professional life. More recently, they’ve begun working toward a career in clinical mental health. They heard about Lines for Life from an advisor at Portland State University.
That recommendation changed things. Since joining as a volunteer in October 2025, Joshua has answered 85 calls. To celebrate National Volunteer Appreciation Month and recognize their contributions, we asked Joshua to share their story.
What made you want to volunteer with Lines for Life?
I’ve been personally impacted by people near and dear to me living with suicidal ideation. It felt like a healthy area to both educate myself in and try to provide community support in. I care about mental health crisis work because I’ve had people show up for individuals I love in this way, and I want to pay that forward.
What did you hope volunteering would give you? Has it?
I was hoping I would learn a lot and feel connected to the community through this effort and both of those things have happened. I’ve gained so much through these experiences.
What does a typical shift look like?
I say hi to supervisors, get set up at my station and make sure I have water or something to snack on. Then I refresh myself on a skill or set of skills I’ll need on the lines. I generally take anywhere from four to eight calls per four-hour shift depending on severity, and I check in with supervisors as I go on how I’m doing and any points I need to adjust. The process is so collaborative.
What’s the hardest part of the work?
High-acuity calls are the hardest piece of the work. But I’m never alone when I take those calls. I always have supervisors supporting me.
What does it feel like when a call goes well?
Very purposeful, and also a little overwhelming, specifically when it is high acuity. Coming down from intense interactions can feel like you are suddenly disconnected from something very important, and that is when self-care and self-regulation are so critical. But the knowledge that you did it well and made a difference is priceless.
What have you learned that you didn’t expect?
People in crisis are just people. They may have specific mental health concerns or be holding a lot of emotional weight, but underneath that is a person reaching out for support. Connecting with their humanity is the best way for me to remain present from one call to the next.
What do you wish more people understood about the people who call?
That we could just as easily find ourselves in their shoes. Often, they are looking for connection and genuine human care. Sometimes they just want to vent. All of it is the full range of humanity on display in quick succession.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering, but hasn’t taken the step yet?
Do it. Trust yourself and your capacity. And if you do come on board, don’t be afraid to ask for the space and time you need to care for yourself. The best way we can serve a caller is by making sure we are okay first.
Why does this work matter beyond the individual calls?
I’ve been touched personally by suicidal ideation and suicide. To be able to help people who need that help when they are reaching out toward someone is a gift, even if it is challenging. The work is worth it for that person and for making our community safer and more whole.
What keeps you coming back?
The work is incredibly purposeful, and the people who work on my shift are so supportive. I continue to have a lot of good things to say about my experience here.
Interested in volunteering with Lines for Life?
We’re always looking for people ready to show up for their community the way Joshua does. Visit linesforlife.org/about-us/volunteer to learn more and apply.
