HotLine serves as a 24-hour "first point of contact" for individuals and agencies in Cass and Clay counties, and outlying areas. HotLine phone volunteers provide callers with information and referrals, listening and support and crisis intervention.

Description:
HotLine is a program of FirstLink. FirstLink is a nonprofit human service organization whose mission is to assist people in identifying, accessing and making effective use of community and volunteer resources. FirstLink strives to be the first point of contact for linking people and resources 24-hours a day. Services include: crisis and intervention services, listening and support services, information and referral services, Season of Hope and the Experienced Parent Project.

HOTLINE PROVIDES VOLUNTEER TRAININGS TWICE PER YEAR--IN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER.

History:
HotLine began operating (with 235-SEEK as its telephone number) on October 3, 1970. Telephones and space were donated by a local radio station. About 1500 calls were received the first year of operation, compared to almost 30,000 calls today. In December 1981, HotLine became a 24-hour operation following the merger of the Suicide Prevention Line previously answered at St. Luke's Hospital and Southeast Human Service Center in Fargo. The 1990's brought several milestones for the HotLine program. In 1991, HotLine earned certification by the American Association of Suicidology as an approved crisis intervention center. In 1993, the phone center became computerized, utilizing Information and Referral software to track data. HotLine volunteers won the JCPenney Golden Rule Award in 1997 and were recognized for extraordinary action by the American Red Cross through the "Everyday Heroes" award in 1999. 2006 brought on re-certification from the American Association of Suicidology. In 2007, HotLine became contracted to answer 2-1-1 calls for Cass and Clay counties. Our call volume steadily increases every month and the services and dedication to the community allowed HotLine to receive the Crisis Center of the Year Award at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Conference in New Orleans.

Contact person: Jenny Nordick, HotLine Specialist, (701) 293-6462, (email)
Office fax number: (701) 235-2476

Address:

Undisclosed Fargo, ND 58103 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.myfirstlink.org

Directions:

FirstLink HotLine is at an undisclosed location. If interested, volunteers will be invited to FirstLink's administrative office for an interview.