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 Helpline
- Just a Phone Call Away
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you can hear:
Have you ever been available for a friend at 2
a.m. when they needed to talk? If you’ve given to United Way, you
have. Have you ever called an elderly shut-in every morning to
check on their well being? If you’ve given to United Way, you
have.
Helpline is available to the community 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week when someone calls for help. A crisis can
happen for an individual any time of day or night. Because of this,
it is essential that Helpline is available 24 hours a day. Helpline
has been answering the call for help in Ponca City since 1973.
Since that time, they have answered over 220,000 calls.
The phone is answered by trained volunteers and
workers who are skilled in reflective listening, crisis intervention
and making referrals if needed. Many calls are received each day
from individuals needing assistance with food, utility assistance,
rent assistance, shelter, etc. Helpline can refer these individuals
to local agencies who can possibly meet their needs. The Helpline
volunteer is also available to just listen to the caller. Many
times an individual may have a personal/family crisis and need
someone to listen to their story. Just being able to tell your
story to a non-judgmental, caring person can help a great deal.
Helpline can be reached at
765-5551.
Another program that is made available because
of the funding from United Way is Helpline’s Chatline program.
Individuals can be signed up for the Chatline program by a loved one
or by themselves. A Helpline volunteer will call the Chatline
member at an agreed upon time each morning to check on their
welfare. Anyone interested in receiving information about the
Chatline program should call Helpline at
765-5551 and request a brochure. Once Helpline
receives the signed brochure with emergency contact information, the
volunteer will begin calling each morning. There are no fees for
this program.
Helpline offers a great opportunity for the
community to volunteer. The next training is scheduled for
Saturday, September 30th at 205 N. 2nd. If you are
interested in becoming a Helpline volunteer, please call
765-5551 or 761-1286 to sign up for the class.
Board
members include: Board President is Mary Stanley, Vice President
is Gerry Tingley, Secretary is Cheryl Flink, and Treasurer, Sharon
Jordan. Other Board Members are Carol Harris, Peggy Henning, Betty
Hinshaw, Priya Rangarajan, Diana Rucker, & Jothi Themozhi. Helpline
can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 765-5551.
For more
information on United Way and its member agencies call
580.765.2476.
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