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Thinking about Suicide?

 

Help is available now, and 24 hours a day.

National Suicide

Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
(1-800-273-8255)

National Crisis Help Line
1-800-SUICIDE
(1-800-784-2433)

Depression Hotline
(630) 482-9696

Para obtener asistencia

en español llame al
1-888-628-9454

Our mission is to open minds, save lives and restore hope through prevention, intervention and postvention, using education, advocacy and collaboration.
 

Volunteer

Depression and Suicide Prevention Hotline Volunteers

Paraprofessional volunteer opportunities are available now for SPS Depression and Suicide Prevention Hotline operators.

Hotline training includes classroom training on a variety of topics; working with an experienced trainer monitoring incoming calls; training on the computers and phones; and learning policies and procedures. Training begins after orientation and communication training, and consists of one four-hour shift per week for a period of eight weeks. Shifts will be set at a time when there is an experienced trainer available, and to accommodate each volunteer’s schedule.

Training Schedule

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is conducted in advance of hotline training, with follow-up sessions on specific hotline and other training topics. Click here for more information on ASIST and upcoming training opportunities.

College Credit

If you’re a college student, you may be able to earn college credits for completing Depression and Suicide Prevention Hotline training. Check with your instructor for details.

Fees and Costs

ASIST training is offered as a 2-day weekend course with a fee of $195.00.

A special reduced rate for students is offered at $100.00.

If you are interested in volunteering – a commitment of one 4-hour shift per week plus one additional shift per month, for a year-long term – the above fees are waived except for a $25.00 materials fee.

Those persons wishing to volunteer must take additional training of three Saturdays (9am-3pm) in addition to the ASIST weekend training. There is no additional cost for this training.

Internships are also available pending acceptance and availability, and all interns are required to undertake full training (ASIST and lineroom) and provide the above weekly shifts. Fees are waived for interns.

Time Commitment

Upon completion of Depression and Suicide Prevention Hotline training and acceptance, Volunteer Paraprofessionals:

  • Make a one year commitment to serve as a Volunteer Paraprofessional staffing the SPS Depression and Suicide Prevention Help Lines; and

  • Work one shift per week, and one additional shift per month, during the term of the one year commitment.

Application

Click here to download the Depression and Suicide Prevention Hotline Paraprofessional Volunteer application form.

Questions?

For more more information, call Holly Cherry at (630) 482-9699 ext 227 or email Holly.
Event Volunteers

Suicide Prevention Services of America event volunteers are essential to the success of SPS events which are increasing awareness, remembering loved ones lost, and supporting the cause for suicide prevention. Examples of SPS annual events include:

  • 50 Men Who Cook

  • Drive-thru Bar-B-Q Fundraiser

  • Here for Life! Walks

Event volunteer opportunities are available on a variety of levels, from serving as a member with an event planning committee, to helping for an hour or two on the day of an event.

Contact us for more information about SPS event volunteer opportunities to match your time and interests.
Service Project Volunteers

Suicide Prevention Services of America service projects offer limited-term, project-specific opportunities for individuals, community groups and civic organizations to support the SPS mission.

Contact us for more information about SPS service project opportunities.

More Opportunities

Contact us today to learn more about these and other SPS volunteer opportunities.