Our Crisis Line Volunteers answer calls in our Portland-based call center on all of the following lines: Suicide Prevention Lifeline (National and Portland), Military Helpline, Oregon Alcohol and Drug Helpline, Oregon YouthLine, and Senior Loneliness Line. We took over 70,000 calls in 2017 and could not provide our services without the generous commitment of our volunteers from the community.
When you volunteer with Lines for Life you will receive professional training and caring supervision from our outstanding team. Our goal is to assure you have the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of our callers. Crisis Line Volunteers come from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. They have an empathic and non-judgmental attitude and the ability to make a long-term commitment. Our volunteers receive 60 hours of professional training, an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) certificate, and 225 hours toward ACCBO certification if desired in exchange for a 1 year commitment (or 200 hours) on the lines. Crisis Lines Volunteers commit to at least one four hour shift per week.
Suicide Prevention Hotline: Lines for Life Crisis Line Volunteers answer calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Hopeline Network, and Portland Lifeline. These confidential, 24-hour services field thousands of calls each year.
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: A confidential 24-hour crisis and referral line, responding to individuals and family members seeking crisis intervention, support, treatment referrals, and general chemical dependency information.
Military Helpline: This hotline provides emotional support and crisis intervention, as well as resource and referral services for members of all branches of the military, veterans of all eras, and their family members.
Senior Loneliness Line: Our newest line is a partnership between Lines for Life and Clackamas County. Our volunteers create a safety net by offering an informed, compassionate response to callers ages 55+ experiencing loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, or other concerns.
YouthLine: Our YouthLine is answered by peers under the age of 21 from 4pm-10pm daily. Our adult volunteers take YouthLine calls during the hours when peers are not available.
If you are a teen interested in learning about substance abuse issues and how to talk to other teens when things get rough, please visit their website (oregonyouthline.org) or contact our YouthLine team for more information.
Other Ways You Can Make a Difference:
- Get involved with your local prevention coalition.
- Share your own personal story and help de-stigmatize mental health.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Contact us if you need ideas to get started.
For adults over 21 looking to volunteer as a Crisis Call Worker, please fill out our online Volunteer Application.
If you have any further questions about how to get involved, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Caryn Berley at Caryn[email protected] or call: 971-244-4619. If you prefer, you may also download a Volunteer Application.