CONTACT of Ocean and Monmouth Counties

CONTACT is simply people helping people. CONTACT volunteers field calls in a caring, non-judgmental manner. It is CONTACT's belief that each of us has the ability to use our own energy to find solutions. Through intensive training volunteers develop empathetic listening skills to help callers determine their feelings, identify options, and find their strengths to resolve problems. We also make referrals, when appropriate, to various community services that are available to the caller.

CONTACT training is 12 weeks of classroom instruction, one night a week, for 12 weeks or twice a week for 6 weeks depending on which training period followed by an apprenticeship period. CONTACT training emphasizes active listening skills while taking time out to identify the special needs of our callers. Group discussions address topics such as loneliness, depression, grief, marriage/family, substance abuse and domestic violence. We require our volunteers to work three, four hour shifts per month.