Caring Contact, A listening community

Saving Lives for over 50 years.

Caring Contact is devoted to promoting emotional wellbeing and preventing emotional crises by providing opportunities for people to express themselves to compassionate listeners in a safe environment. We respond to the need for human interaction and create opportunities for people to help each other. We offer training to people and organizations in the listening skills needed to support those in crisis.

We’re a resource for people going through difficult times and looking for someone to care. Whether our callers are dealing with depression, anxiety, other sources of stress or suicidal thoughts, our volunteers are trained to provide a non-judgmental and supportive ear. We listen with heart, responding to more than 20,000 calls each year. To meet the needs of our callers and to support the community’s need for mental health support, we provide mental health and suicide education opportunities to first responders, community and youth groups, members of the clergy, businesses, educators and parents.

Caring Contact is affiliated with the American Association of Suicidology. We are a member of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. We are accredited by The International Council for Helplines..

Looking for a meaningful way to make a difference? Have you ever been told you are a good listener? Caring Contact has Volunteer Opportunities.

Caring Contact trains volunteers twice a year. Participants receive 43 hours of comprehensive training by nationally certified instructors in active listening and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training. Volunteers develop the ability to listen actively, assess the needs of someone in crisis and provide empathy and support.

"This training and volunteer opportunity is ideal for people of varying backgrounds, including retirees, empty-nesters, stay-at-home parents, and full-time professionals. Volunteers find it gives them a sense of reward when they help someone in crisis." said Mary Claire Givelber, Caring Contact's executive director. Volunteers find the flexible volunteer hours work well with their other obligations.

Anyone interested in registering for the training should visit https://caringcontact.org/how-to-help/

To learn more, call 908.301.1899 or visit www.caringcontact.org

You are Not Alone. If you need someone to listen, call us at 908-232-2880. If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.