BY SARAH GRANAHAN, HTP-A, RMT
Have you or a loved one experienced a crisis and wished that there was someone outside of your family or circle of friends who was there to help? Each day there are people out there who are victims of abuse and it isn’t limited to physical abuse. Mental/emotional abuse and sexual abuse can take it’s toll over time on the self-worth and confidence of an individual. So much so that they are left feeling depressed, anxious and often unloveable. Other times we may find it difficult to cope well when a big life challenge arises. So where does someone turn when in crisis mode?
HopeLine supports people and saves lives during times of crisis through caring, confidential conversations
People experiencing a crisis can contact HopeLine, a non-profit that has been helping the community for over 45 years. An organization unaffiliated with any political or religious associations, HopeLine’s crisis support ranges from domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, grief, death and dying, anxiety, depression, mental health, suicide, interpersonal relationship problems, and much more…
So what are some ways that HopeLine helps people in our community? Well, they offer three programs: Crisis Line, Text Line, and Reassurance Program. Lauren Foster, the Executive Director of HopeLine explained, “our crisis line began in 1970 and is a free and confidential hotline to call no matter what is going on in someone’s life.” To meet the needs of today’s technology stream, HopeLine launched their “text line” in April 2017, which is used by people of all ages and backgrounds to seek the support they need.
The third program that HopeLine offers to the greater community is their “Reassurance Program,” a resource developed to reduce isolation for participants who are homebound, disabled, or receive little to no contact from people on a daily basis. Lauren told us, “after approval to be a program participant, they will receive a daily wellness check-in phone call to see how they are doing.” A great way to support those people who might often feel alone or unsupported especially if little to no family members are around.
Interestingly, the people at HopeLine who are providing the crisis support to our community members are mainly volunteers. Lauren explained, “HopeLine is 98% volunteer-led and we could not save lives and promote our mission without them.” Crisis Volunteers are people who are trained by HopeLine to field and interact with the people who need them the most. Ms. Foster adds that,”volunteers go through a 40-hour training program including two internships before they are allowed to start taking calls and answering texts.”
When someone contacts a Crisis Volunteer at HopeLine, they aren’t left feeling that they need to stay in constant contact with HopeLine for help. Instead, they are provided a full array of resources and tools to support them. “Our core values rely on an active listening philosophy. We believe that people know their situation and what would be best for them with the right support and resource referrals,” Lauren explains. Ms. Foster goes on to add, “we never turn a caller away, regardless of their situation.” So when someone calls in or sends a text message to HopeLine, they will receive support, active listening, empowerment, and will be provided with resources specific to their crisis. Lauren highlights that, “HopeLine promises to never judge, trivialize, or minimize a situation that someone might be going through and understands that a crisis can be a wide variety of issues a person may face.”
HopeLine is an amazing non-profit organization that is offering valuable support to the community at-large. To support HopeLine, learn about their upcoming events, galas and give-back nights at restaurants, you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Linkedin. You can also find them on their website at: www.hopeline-nc.org. If you or someone you know would like to give back to the community and learn how you can train to become a Crisis Volunteer, click VOLUNTEER.
In need of some crisis support? Contact the HopeLine Crisis Line via phone or text at: (919)231-4525 or (877)235-4525. Crisis volunteers are available Monday – Friday and Saturday – Sunday from 9:00am – 11:00 pm. The HopeLine Text Line is available: Monday – Friday from 9:00am – 11:00pm (they are hoping to make their services available 24/7 in the future).
Sarah Granahan, HTP-A, RMT – has been passionate about energy healing and helping others for over 10 years. She is a Healing Touch Practitioner Apprentice, Reiki Master / Teacher and Wellness Coach. Sarah began her studies at InVision in Chicago, IL where she learned about meditation, psychic development and how energy healing worked. In 2013 she began advanced studies with The Healing Touch Program and went on to study Reiki. Sarah sees clients in northwest Raleigh at The Sagewood Center. She makes hospice center, home and hospital visits aside from booking sessions worldwide through her distance work. A humanitarian at heart, she volunteers with The Healing Touch Community Clinic, when not seeing clients, at WakeMed Hospital in Cary, NC.
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