Jersey Desk - A Legacy of Compassion: CONTACT Seeks Volunteers in their 50th Year

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TOMS RIVER, N.J. - JerseyDesk -- As CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties (CONTACT) celebrates 50 years of compassionate, confidential listening, the organization is inviting members of the community to train to become volunteers. CONTACT's Volunteer Crisis Intervention Telephone Training, a free six-week program, will begin March 10th and meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-9:30 PM at Christ Episcopal Church (415 Washington Street, Toms River).

CONTACT is a non-profit, charitable organization that provides crucial support for individuals in crisis by training volunteers to operate their 24/7 hotline. For five decades, the volunteer-based organization has offered free and confidential crisis intervention, resource information and community service referrals.

The training teaches active listening, where participants learn how to simply listen without interruption, judgement or trying to "fix" the problem. This approach allows callers to feel heard and respected, and many volunteers find that the skill has benefits for their personal and professional lives as well.

"We see first-hand how one conversation can save a life," said Kim Santora, Executive Director of CONTACT. "After 50 years, the mission and work of CONTACT continues to be vital in the community."

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CONTACT welcomes individuals 18 years or older who are committed to completing the training to register. Basic computer skills are helpful, but a willingness to learn and help others is all that is required.

Dedicated volunteers carry CONTACT's mission forward and ensure no call goes unanswered. For more information or to register, email contact@contactoceanmonmouth.org or call at 732-240-6104.

CONTACT relies on community support, both volunteer and financial support. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for CONTACT's 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration on March 28th in Long Branch. For more information, visit https://contactoceanmonmouth.org/events/.

If you need to talk, CONTACT is always here to listen. Call an empathetic, trained volunteer at 732-240-6100.

About CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties

CONTACT of Ocean & Monmouth Counties is a non-profit charitable organization that provides trained telephone listeners who respond to human needs 24 hours every day. This volunteer-based organization offers free confidential crisis intervention, information on available resources, and referrals to community services. To learn more, visit ContactOceanMonmouth.org.