A Typical Call...   

Fred* calls one Friday night. The counselor knows from previous calls that Fred is seriously mentally ill, unable to work and lives alone. The drop-in center where he spends most of his time is closed for the weekend, and he is so lonely and scared at the prospect of getting through the weekend alone that he is "having suicidal thoughts." The counselor listens with empathy, assesses that he is not seriously suicidal, and then asks if he has any ideas of activities that might help him get through the weekend. Together they discover that he actually does have lots of plans. A list of activities is outlined, and Fred seems to feels reassured when the call ends.
* Name and other identifying details changed

Volunteer Opportunities

Like all nonprofits and community agencies, Crisis Connection depends on volunteers to help us deliver services that otherwise would not exist. All of our free community hotline services are delivered primarily by volunteer counselors who commit to extensive training and regular shifts to become a Crisis Connection counselor. If you are interested in being a volunteer counselor, please call Jennifer Baker 612-852-2201, or email her at jbaker@hsicrisis.org

In addition to our volunteer phone counselors, we appreciate the help of many volunteers who help with special projects, day-to-day administrative services and special events. Periodically  we could use additional volunteers to work in the following areas.

Additional Volunteers Needed

• Research helpers: Use your research skills to help us find resources for our callers, explore community education needs, research fundraising and marketing resources.
   

• "People people":  Are you a real outgoing people person? We have need of volunteers who would staff our information booth at various community events, school fairs and similar activities. You would help to tell the community about Crisis Connection 's work and make sure those in need can "find us" when the time is right.

• Special events: Our annual fundraiser is usually in the spring, and many hands are needed for publicity, silent auction, decorations, and much more!

2013 Volunteer Training Schedule

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with HSI Crisis Connection, you will need to complete the 40 hour volunteer training session.  The trainings sessions are in 4 week blocks and are on both Mondays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm.  Trainees may only miss one meeting per session.  Upon completion of the training program, volunteers have the opportunity to become ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) certified.  This certification is over two full days and will follow every volunteer training session.  We ask that you plan to complete the ASIST training within 2 months of graduation.     

Crisis Connection does have an application and interview process so please contact the volunteer coordinator at least 1 month before the session that you are planning on attending in order to allow enough time for this process to be completed. 

All sessions meet on a Monday and Thursday evening from 6-9 pm for 8 sessions. 

View Crisis Connection Volunteer Brochure

Volunteer Perspectives

Read these to better understand the work of our phone counselors.