Hotline & Textline VOLUNTEER COUNSELORS NEEDED
As the oldest, continuously operating emergency switchboard in the county, THE FAMILY OF WOODSTOCK HOTLINE is proud to say that we have been able to keep our hotline running 24/7 since 1970. It has been no small task, and one of the biggest ways we can continue to do what we do is by the help we receive from volunteers.
Volunteer Counselor Training
Are you interested in helping both your local and wider community? Are you that listening ear that friends and loved ones always seem to turn to? Are you interested in using the skills you have and building on your knowledge of helping? Family’s hotline training is just what you’re looking for!
Training covers the core of Family’s phone and texting hotline and walk-in services. Topics include domestic violence, child abuse, mental health and substance abuse, adolescent issues, suicide, and homelessness. The training is free of charge and oriented towards personal growth. You will learn active, compassionate listening skills and ways to connect with people in need. Family offers an opportunity to be part of the change you wish to see in the world. Intervention is as simple as answering a phone call or text message at the moment someone reaches out. It is as direct as offering a cup of coffee and a bag of food to someone who is hungry. It takes your skill and the amazing depth of resources Family has gathered over its 50+ year history.
The next training curriculum is scheduled to begin on Wednesday June 3 and continue on Monday and Wednesday days in through the rest of June.
The training will qualify you to volunteer at any of our three walk-in centers – New Paltz, Ellenville, or Woodstock. For more information call (845) 679-2485, email Ron VanWarmer at rvanwarmer@familyofwoodstockinc.org, or come in to our building at 16 Rock City Road, Woodstock.
Non-counselor Volunteers
The Woodstock Hotline office helps the community in many ways and we rely on volunteers. If you would like to help with our holiday programs, special events, our food pantry, maintaining our free store, or helping with building and property maintenance projects please email Alan Rovitzky at arovitzky@familyofwoodstockinc.org.
Training Schedule
Wednesday 6/3, Listening Skills parts 1 & 2, 9AM – 5PM
Monday 6/8, History of Family & Sexual Harassment Prevention, 9am to 12,
Ethics & Boundaries, 1pm to 5pm
Wednesday 6/10, SafeTALK – Suicide Prevention, 9am to noon,
Domestic Violence Overview and Agency Services, 1pm to 5PM
Monday 6/15, Imminent Risk and Safe Planning, 9am to noon,
Self-Care 1pm to 5pm
Wednesday 6/17, Mental Health First Aid, 9AM – 5PM
Monday 6/22, Tending the Roots TIC training, 9am to 5pm
Monday 6/29, Hotline specific sessions, 9am to 5 pm
Training sessions will be held at 140 Pine Street, Kingston and will start promptly. Please be mindful of the health of all participants and do not attend sessions if you are not feeling well. Thanks!