PeerGalaxy Calendar

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Welcome to PeerGalaxy Calendar featuring over 82,000 monthly offerings of FREE telephone- and online-accessible peer support, recovery support + wellness activities!

Over 30+ warmlines plus webinars, workshops, job postings, special events, consumer input opportunities and more.

WE ARE PEER FOR YOU!

Click the Accessibility Button on the right side, halfway down in the middle, for enhanced viewing and/or access options!  Click the Translate Button in the lower left corner for language options. 

Your use of this site is subject to the Privacy Policy, Terms and Conditions of Use.  Reminder: Fees or charges may be charged by your carrier for sending or receiving SMS text messaging, phone, or data.

If you have an event to add, email us: webmail@peergalaxy.com

Training Resources List – In Progress

How Events are Sorted:

First, at the top of the list: Disaster Hotline & Oregon Safe + Strong Helpline.

Next in the list: Bundled “All Day” Events for organizations with events happening at multiple times throughout the day and/or in many formats or locations; these are bundled into a single listing to prevent endless scrolling.  Usually these offer a lookup by zip code or other criteria. 

Lastly, Time-Specific Events listed by start time from 12:01am early morning to 11:59pm late night.  Warmlines and places east of Oregon’s time zone tend to start earlier (e.g. 4am in Oregon is 7am in New York).

Agenda
Agenda
December 2022 Dec 2022
Collapse All Expand All
Dec
3
Sat
VA – VisionAware – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Tickets
Dec 3 all-day

 

 

Leer esta página en Español
support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

Read more
Categories: Adult Bundled event Tags: anxiety blindness depression emotional support online peer support speacilists phone resources social connection support group
Warmline – AKV – A Kind Voice – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 3 all-day

 

 

 

 

A Kind Voice Warmline

Call in Line

Note, we needed to pause the call in line, currently calls are scheduled via the Finding A Kind Voice page. The new process follows the concept shared below. The goal is to bring back the 800 number once we can afford the proper safeguards to assure the line is always used for the intended purpose.

 

If you’re experiencing a crisis, here are some places to reach out to:

Hotline Number Link/Purpose
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, A 24/7 hotline for callers in the United States
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) National Runaway Switchboard, hotline and live chat for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
800-273-TALK (8255) US Veterans Crisis Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

Support groups and professional counseling services:

Group/Service Link/Purpose
Warm Lines Find a Warm Line in your area – Warm lines are a staffed by people in recovery themselves. Peer operators are trained to attentively listen, offer compassion and assist callers in connecting with their own internal strengths and direction.
The Friendship Line The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention center and a “warm” line for routine, even daily, phone calls that provide emotional support, medication reminders and well-being check-ins.
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a chapter in your area
Professional Counselors Find a professional counselor in your area

 

Connecting in person:
If you’d like to connect with people you share a common interest with, Meet-up.com offers events such as book discussions, hiking, playing board games and much more.

 

A Kind Voice Website:

http://www.akindvoice.org/

 

Facebook Social Media Page:

https://www.facebook.com/AKindVoice/

 

Video by Founder in 2012:

https://youtu.be/tcN-dqz6DZM

 

More videos and radio shows to enjoy!

https://akindvoice.org/ourstory/

 

Library of On Demand Radio Shows

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/akindvoice

 

Program Links:
A Kind Voice on Music
A Kind Voice on Books
A Kind Voice on Movies
A Kind Voice on Sports
A Kind Voice on Good News
A Kind Voice on Big Ideas and Philosophy
A Kind Voice on Employment, Opportunity and Innovation
Your Kind Voice

Read more
Categories: Bundled event Time specific event WARMLINES Tags: blog peer support phone radio social social connection social solidarity telephone wellness
Warmline – IOA – Institute on Aging – The Friendship Line – 24/7 – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 3 all-day

THE FRIENDSHIP LINE

24 Hour Telephone Hotline/Warmline

800-971-0016

We support individuals who find connecting within the community challenging

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Elder abuse reporting
  • Well-being checks
  • Grief support through assistance and reassurance
  • Active suicide intervention
  • Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: aging conversation disabilities disability elders isolation loneliness older adults phone seniors social connection telephone warmline
Warmlines – National Warmline Directory and Resources (USA) @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 3 all-day

Need someone to talk to?  Check out Warmline.org

poster

According to the Center for Hope and Recovery, “A warmline is a telephone service (aka a call line) for people who are looking for someone to discuss their daily struggles. Warmlines are staffed with peers who have lived experience of mental health struggles themselves and who are open to sharing their stories of challenging situations, recovery, and perseverance”  The hours, days and geographic reach may vary.  Fortunately, there are many warmlines including quite a number operating in Oregon such as but not limited to: The David Romprey Warmline.

Check out this article “What is a Warmline and What Should I Expect When I Call One?” by Chaya Grossberg: https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/06/warm-line-expect-call-one/

Find the extensive list of Warmlines for many locations online at: http://www.warmline.org/

To search for Warmlines by state, click on a state in the list below.

(Note: Warmlines listed in red are nationally accessible and welcome calls from anywhere)

Also, be sure to check out the Warmline Resource page by the National Empowerment Center (NEC) at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources

In addition, you can:

  1. Access the Warmline Resources page and Guide by the National Empowerment Center at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources
  2. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Warmlines by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  3. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Peer Respite by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  4. Send updates to the web page by email to: hdt@mit.edu
  5. Visit links for starting a warmline at: http://www.warmline.org/#Warmline%20training%20Information%20and%20other%20resource%20links

Article regarding Peer Warmlines

Sustaining Recovery through the Night:
Impact of a Peer-Run Warm Line

by Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Simonne Maline, and Peter Driscoll

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21768081/

Excerpt(s):

Objective: This exploratory study describes the impact of a peer-run warm line on the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Methods: Phone surveys were completed with 480 warm line callers over four years. Results: Warm line callers reported a reduction in the use of crisis services and a reduction of feelings of isolation.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The results indicate that peer-run warm lines can fill an important void in the lives of individuals living with mental [health challenges]. Although warm lines at any time of day are helpful, keeping warm lines running after 5pm and throughout the night provides support services not typically available after office hours and can assist with loneliness, symptom management, and the process of recovery.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: mental health peer support recovery social connection telephone warmline wellness
Dec
4
Sun
VA – VisionAware – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Tickets
Dec 4 all-day

 

 

Leer esta página en Español
support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

Read more
Categories: Adult Bundled event Tags: anxiety blindness depression emotional support online peer support speacilists phone resources social connection support group
Warmline – AKV – A Kind Voice – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 4 all-day

 

 

 

 

A Kind Voice Warmline

Call in Line

Note, we needed to pause the call in line, currently calls are scheduled via the Finding A Kind Voice page. The new process follows the concept shared below. The goal is to bring back the 800 number once we can afford the proper safeguards to assure the line is always used for the intended purpose.

 

If you’re experiencing a crisis, here are some places to reach out to:

Hotline Number Link/Purpose
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, A 24/7 hotline for callers in the United States
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) National Runaway Switchboard, hotline and live chat for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
800-273-TALK (8255) US Veterans Crisis Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

Support groups and professional counseling services:

Group/Service Link/Purpose
Warm Lines Find a Warm Line in your area – Warm lines are a staffed by people in recovery themselves. Peer operators are trained to attentively listen, offer compassion and assist callers in connecting with their own internal strengths and direction.
The Friendship Line The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention center and a “warm” line for routine, even daily, phone calls that provide emotional support, medication reminders and well-being check-ins.
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a chapter in your area
Professional Counselors Find a professional counselor in your area

 

Connecting in person:
If you’d like to connect with people you share a common interest with, Meet-up.com offers events such as book discussions, hiking, playing board games and much more.

 

A Kind Voice Website:

http://www.akindvoice.org/

 

Facebook Social Media Page:

https://www.facebook.com/AKindVoice/

 

Video by Founder in 2012:

https://youtu.be/tcN-dqz6DZM

 

More videos and radio shows to enjoy!

https://akindvoice.org/ourstory/

 

Library of On Demand Radio Shows

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/akindvoice

 

Program Links:
A Kind Voice on Music
A Kind Voice on Books
A Kind Voice on Movies
A Kind Voice on Sports
A Kind Voice on Good News
A Kind Voice on Big Ideas and Philosophy
A Kind Voice on Employment, Opportunity and Innovation
Your Kind Voice

Read more
Categories: Bundled event Time specific event WARMLINES Tags: blog peer support phone radio social social connection social solidarity telephone wellness
Warmline – IOA – Institute on Aging – The Friendship Line – 24/7 – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 4 all-day

THE FRIENDSHIP LINE

24 Hour Telephone Hotline/Warmline

800-971-0016

We support individuals who find connecting within the community challenging

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Elder abuse reporting
  • Well-being checks
  • Grief support through assistance and reassurance
  • Active suicide intervention
  • Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: aging conversation disabilities disability elders isolation loneliness older adults phone seniors social connection telephone warmline
Warmlines – National Warmline Directory and Resources (USA) @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 4 all-day

Need someone to talk to?  Check out Warmline.org

poster

According to the Center for Hope and Recovery, “A warmline is a telephone service (aka a call line) for people who are looking for someone to discuss their daily struggles. Warmlines are staffed with peers who have lived experience of mental health struggles themselves and who are open to sharing their stories of challenging situations, recovery, and perseverance”  The hours, days and geographic reach may vary.  Fortunately, there are many warmlines including quite a number operating in Oregon such as but not limited to: The David Romprey Warmline.

Check out this article “What is a Warmline and What Should I Expect When I Call One?” by Chaya Grossberg: https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/06/warm-line-expect-call-one/

Find the extensive list of Warmlines for many locations online at: http://www.warmline.org/

To search for Warmlines by state, click on a state in the list below.

(Note: Warmlines listed in red are nationally accessible and welcome calls from anywhere)

Also, be sure to check out the Warmline Resource page by the National Empowerment Center (NEC) at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources

In addition, you can:

  1. Access the Warmline Resources page and Guide by the National Empowerment Center at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources
  2. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Warmlines by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  3. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Peer Respite by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  4. Send updates to the web page by email to: hdt@mit.edu
  5. Visit links for starting a warmline at: http://www.warmline.org/#Warmline%20training%20Information%20and%20other%20resource%20links

Article regarding Peer Warmlines

Sustaining Recovery through the Night:
Impact of a Peer-Run Warm Line

by Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Simonne Maline, and Peter Driscoll

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21768081/

Excerpt(s):

Objective: This exploratory study describes the impact of a peer-run warm line on the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Methods: Phone surveys were completed with 480 warm line callers over four years. Results: Warm line callers reported a reduction in the use of crisis services and a reduction of feelings of isolation.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The results indicate that peer-run warm lines can fill an important void in the lives of individuals living with mental [health challenges]. Although warm lines at any time of day are helpful, keeping warm lines running after 5pm and throughout the night provides support services not typically available after office hours and can assist with loneliness, symptom management, and the process of recovery.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: mental health peer support recovery social connection telephone warmline wellness
Dec
5
Mon
01 – Support Line – L4L Racial Equity Support Line – BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free – Lines for Life – Weekdays – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 5 all-day
01 - Support Line - L4L Racial Equity Support Line - BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free - Lines for Life - Weekdays - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line @ 1-877-273-8255 or the Safe+Strong Helpline @ 1-800-923-4457 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

Read more
Categories: WARMLINES Tags: behavioral health criminal justice crisis culturally responsive disparities distress domestic violence emotional support equity financial health care health equity hope immigrant mental health2 pandemic stress peer support race racism refugee social connection social injustice social justice solidarity stress stress reduction support telephone violence warmline
VA – VisionAware – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Tickets
Dec 5 all-day

 

 

Leer esta página en Español
support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

Read more
Categories: Adult Bundled event Tags: anxiety blindness depression emotional support online peer support speacilists phone resources social connection support group
Warmline – AKV – A Kind Voice – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 5 all-day

 

 

 

 

A Kind Voice Warmline

Call in Line

Note, we needed to pause the call in line, currently calls are scheduled via the Finding A Kind Voice page. The new process follows the concept shared below. The goal is to bring back the 800 number once we can afford the proper safeguards to assure the line is always used for the intended purpose.

 

If you’re experiencing a crisis, here are some places to reach out to:

Hotline Number Link/Purpose
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, A 24/7 hotline for callers in the United States
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) National Runaway Switchboard, hotline and live chat for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
800-273-TALK (8255) US Veterans Crisis Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

Support groups and professional counseling services:

Group/Service Link/Purpose
Warm Lines Find a Warm Line in your area – Warm lines are a staffed by people in recovery themselves. Peer operators are trained to attentively listen, offer compassion and assist callers in connecting with their own internal strengths and direction.
The Friendship Line The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention center and a “warm” line for routine, even daily, phone calls that provide emotional support, medication reminders and well-being check-ins.
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a chapter in your area
Professional Counselors Find a professional counselor in your area

 

Connecting in person:
If you’d like to connect with people you share a common interest with, Meet-up.com offers events such as book discussions, hiking, playing board games and much more.

 

A Kind Voice Website:

http://www.akindvoice.org/

 

Facebook Social Media Page:

https://www.facebook.com/AKindVoice/

 

Video by Founder in 2012:

https://youtu.be/tcN-dqz6DZM

 

More videos and radio shows to enjoy!

https://akindvoice.org/ourstory/

 

Library of On Demand Radio Shows

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/akindvoice

 

Program Links:
A Kind Voice on Music
A Kind Voice on Books
A Kind Voice on Movies
A Kind Voice on Sports
A Kind Voice on Good News
A Kind Voice on Big Ideas and Philosophy
A Kind Voice on Employment, Opportunity and Innovation
Your Kind Voice

Read more
Categories: Bundled event Time specific event WARMLINES Tags: blog peer support phone radio social social connection social solidarity telephone wellness
Warmline – IOA – Institute on Aging – The Friendship Line – 24/7 – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 5 all-day

THE FRIENDSHIP LINE

24 Hour Telephone Hotline/Warmline

800-971-0016

We support individuals who find connecting within the community challenging

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Elder abuse reporting
  • Well-being checks
  • Grief support through assistance and reassurance
  • Active suicide intervention
  • Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: aging conversation disabilities disability elders isolation loneliness older adults phone seniors social connection telephone warmline
Warmlines – National Warmline Directory and Resources (USA) @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 5 all-day

Need someone to talk to?  Check out Warmline.org

poster

According to the Center for Hope and Recovery, “A warmline is a telephone service (aka a call line) for people who are looking for someone to discuss their daily struggles. Warmlines are staffed with peers who have lived experience of mental health struggles themselves and who are open to sharing their stories of challenging situations, recovery, and perseverance”  The hours, days and geographic reach may vary.  Fortunately, there are many warmlines including quite a number operating in Oregon such as but not limited to: The David Romprey Warmline.

Check out this article “What is a Warmline and What Should I Expect When I Call One?” by Chaya Grossberg: https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/06/warm-line-expect-call-one/

Find the extensive list of Warmlines for many locations online at: http://www.warmline.org/

To search for Warmlines by state, click on a state in the list below.

(Note: Warmlines listed in red are nationally accessible and welcome calls from anywhere)

Also, be sure to check out the Warmline Resource page by the National Empowerment Center (NEC) at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources

In addition, you can:

  1. Access the Warmline Resources page and Guide by the National Empowerment Center at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources
  2. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Warmlines by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  3. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Peer Respite by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  4. Send updates to the web page by email to: hdt@mit.edu
  5. Visit links for starting a warmline at: http://www.warmline.org/#Warmline%20training%20Information%20and%20other%20resource%20links

Article regarding Peer Warmlines

Sustaining Recovery through the Night:
Impact of a Peer-Run Warm Line

by Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Simonne Maline, and Peter Driscoll

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21768081/

Excerpt(s):

Objective: This exploratory study describes the impact of a peer-run warm line on the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Methods: Phone surveys were completed with 480 warm line callers over four years. Results: Warm line callers reported a reduction in the use of crisis services and a reduction of feelings of isolation.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The results indicate that peer-run warm lines can fill an important void in the lives of individuals living with mental [health challenges]. Although warm lines at any time of day are helpful, keeping warm lines running after 5pm and throughout the night provides support services not typically available after office hours and can assist with loneliness, symptom management, and the process of recovery.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: mental health peer support recovery social connection telephone warmline wellness
Dec
6
Tue
01 – Support Line – L4L Racial Equity Support Line – BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free – Lines for Life – Weekdays – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 6 all-day
01 - Support Line - L4L Racial Equity Support Line - BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free - Lines for Life - Weekdays - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line @ 1-877-273-8255 or the Safe+Strong Helpline @ 1-800-923-4457 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

Read more
Categories: WARMLINES Tags: behavioral health criminal justice crisis culturally responsive disparities distress domestic violence emotional support equity financial health care health equity hope immigrant mental health2 pandemic stress peer support race racism refugee social connection social injustice social justice solidarity stress stress reduction support telephone violence warmline
VA – VisionAware – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Tickets
Dec 6 all-day

 

 

Leer esta página en Español
support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

Read more
Categories: Adult Bundled event Tags: anxiety blindness depression emotional support online peer support speacilists phone resources social connection support group
Warmline – AKV – A Kind Voice – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 6 all-day

 

 

 

 

A Kind Voice Warmline

Call in Line

Note, we needed to pause the call in line, currently calls are scheduled via the Finding A Kind Voice page. The new process follows the concept shared below. The goal is to bring back the 800 number once we can afford the proper safeguards to assure the line is always used for the intended purpose.

 

If you’re experiencing a crisis, here are some places to reach out to:

Hotline Number Link/Purpose
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, A 24/7 hotline for callers in the United States
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) National Runaway Switchboard, hotline and live chat for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
800-273-TALK (8255) US Veterans Crisis Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

Support groups and professional counseling services:

Group/Service Link/Purpose
Warm Lines Find a Warm Line in your area – Warm lines are a staffed by people in recovery themselves. Peer operators are trained to attentively listen, offer compassion and assist callers in connecting with their own internal strengths and direction.
The Friendship Line The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention center and a “warm” line for routine, even daily, phone calls that provide emotional support, medication reminders and well-being check-ins.
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a chapter in your area
Professional Counselors Find a professional counselor in your area

 

Connecting in person:
If you’d like to connect with people you share a common interest with, Meet-up.com offers events such as book discussions, hiking, playing board games and much more.

 

A Kind Voice Website:

http://www.akindvoice.org/

 

Facebook Social Media Page:

https://www.facebook.com/AKindVoice/

 

Video by Founder in 2012:

https://youtu.be/tcN-dqz6DZM

 

More videos and radio shows to enjoy!

https://akindvoice.org/ourstory/

 

Library of On Demand Radio Shows

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/akindvoice

 

Program Links:
A Kind Voice on Music
A Kind Voice on Books
A Kind Voice on Movies
A Kind Voice on Sports
A Kind Voice on Good News
A Kind Voice on Big Ideas and Philosophy
A Kind Voice on Employment, Opportunity and Innovation
Your Kind Voice

Read more
Categories: Bundled event Time specific event WARMLINES Tags: blog peer support phone radio social social connection social solidarity telephone wellness
Warmline – IOA – Institute on Aging – The Friendship Line – 24/7 – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 6 all-day

THE FRIENDSHIP LINE

24 Hour Telephone Hotline/Warmline

800-971-0016

We support individuals who find connecting within the community challenging

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Elder abuse reporting
  • Well-being checks
  • Grief support through assistance and reassurance
  • Active suicide intervention
  • Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: aging conversation disabilities disability elders isolation loneliness older adults phone seniors social connection telephone warmline
Warmlines – National Warmline Directory and Resources (USA) @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 6 all-day

Need someone to talk to?  Check out Warmline.org

poster

According to the Center for Hope and Recovery, “A warmline is a telephone service (aka a call line) for people who are looking for someone to discuss their daily struggles. Warmlines are staffed with peers who have lived experience of mental health struggles themselves and who are open to sharing their stories of challenging situations, recovery, and perseverance”  The hours, days and geographic reach may vary.  Fortunately, there are many warmlines including quite a number operating in Oregon such as but not limited to: The David Romprey Warmline.

Check out this article “What is a Warmline and What Should I Expect When I Call One?” by Chaya Grossberg: https://www.madinamerica.com/2014/06/warm-line-expect-call-one/

Find the extensive list of Warmlines for many locations online at: http://www.warmline.org/

To search for Warmlines by state, click on a state in the list below.

(Note: Warmlines listed in red are nationally accessible and welcome calls from anywhere)

Also, be sure to check out the Warmline Resource page by the National Empowerment Center (NEC) at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources

In addition, you can:

  1. Access the Warmline Resources page and Guide by the National Empowerment Center at: https://www.power2u.org/peer-run-warmlines-resources
  2. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Warmlines by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  3. Join the Yahoo mailing list / group on Peer Respite by sending an email to: hdt@mit.edu
  4. Send updates to the web page by email to: hdt@mit.edu
  5. Visit links for starting a warmline at: http://www.warmline.org/#Warmline%20training%20Information%20and%20other%20resource%20links

Article regarding Peer Warmlines

Sustaining Recovery through the Night:
Impact of a Peer-Run Warm Line

by Rebecca Spirito Dalgin, Simonne Maline, and Peter Driscoll

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21768081/

Excerpt(s):

Objective: This exploratory study describes the impact of a peer-run warm line on the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.

Methods: Phone surveys were completed with 480 warm line callers over four years. Results: Warm line callers reported a reduction in the use of crisis services and a reduction of feelings of isolation.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice: The results indicate that peer-run warm lines can fill an important void in the lives of individuals living with mental [health challenges]. Although warm lines at any time of day are helpful, keeping warm lines running after 5pm and throughout the night provides support services not typically available after office hours and can assist with loneliness, symptom management, and the process of recovery.

Read more
Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: mental health peer support recovery social connection telephone warmline wellness
OFSN – Oregon Family Support Network – Coffee Time Support Group – Tuesdays @ Online Via Zoom
Tickets
Dec 6 @ 10:00 am – 11:30 am

 

 

TO ATTEND, REGISTER USING THE LINK BELOW

REGISTRATION

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Categories: Adult Time specific event Tags: children coffee community discussion mental health mental health recovery online peer support group social connection time-specific-event
CA – Crim-Anon – Criminals Anonymous Fellowship – Virtual Online Meetings – #: 650 531 2068 – Tuesday and Thursday Nooners @ Online via Zoom
Tickets
Dec 6 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

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CRIM ANON (Criminals Anonymous) Recovery Group

Without YOU There Is No Us

New Noon Meetings – Virtual Group on Tuesdays and Thursdays 12pm-1pm PST

 

About Crim-Anon (Criminals Anonymous)

We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us!  To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:

 

Join Zoom Meeting   https://zoom.us/j/6505312068

Meeting ID   650-531-2068

CONTACT US:
Criminal Anonymous World Services
2601 SE 160th Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Bear C: (971) 282-1903
Zane M: (503) 754-5217
Billy S: (971) 985-4849   bear01@crimanon.org
Hours of Operation    24/7 
Get in touch with our team at Criminal Anonymous World Services in Portland, OR if you need support, have any questions.
Grand Elders are available      24/7:
 Bear – (971) 282-1903
 Zane – (503) 754-5217
 Reina – (503) 446-0243
 Billy – (971) 985-4849
 Bo – (971) 772-8307
 Amber – (503) 799-2552
 Andrey M – (503) 660-9448
 Tara – (971) 323-2699
 DJ – (503) 501-1368
 Twila – (503) 936-5185
 Caitlin – (971) 804-2848
 Nick – (503) 465-7013
 Joanie – (503) 732-4115
 Michelle – (503) 875-7985
 Cliff – (971) 283-3133
 Dick – 503) 380-5800
 Melanie – (503) 922-5014
 Sean – (971) 276-5365

Crim Anon Website:

https://www.crimanon.org

Facebook Crim Anon Home Page

https://www.facebook.com/CriminalsAnonymous/

Facebook  Crim Anon Fellowship Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475073000014931/

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Categories: Adult Time specific event Tags: 12-step crim-anon criminalism online peer support recovery recovery meetings social connection
CA – Crim-Anon – Criminals Anonymous Fellowship – OREGON CITY HILLTOP MEETING – Tuesday @ Online via Zoom
Tickets
Dec 6 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm

 

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CRIM ANON (Criminals Anonymous) Recovery Group

Without You There Is No Us

Crim Anon Virtual Group on Tuesday Nights

7:00pm-8:15pm PST

 

About Crim-Anon (Criminals Anonymous)

We are a recovery fellowship comprised of men, women, youth, survivors, and their families that are committed to supporting and living a crime-free lifestyle. We welcome you to check out our website at www.crimanon.org. Zoom on in with us!  To join this meeting, use the ZOOM Link and Meeting ID provided below:

CONTACT US:
Criminal Anonymous World Services
2601 SE 160th Ave., Portland, OR 97236
Bear C: (971) 282-1903    bear01@crimanon.org
Zane M: (503) 754-5217
Billy S: (971) 985-4849
Hours of Operation    24/7 
Get in touch with our team at Criminal Anonymous World Services in Portland, OR if you need support, have any questions.
Grand Elders are available      24/7:
 Bear – (971) 282-1903
 Zane – (503) 754-5217
 Reina – (503) 446-0243
 Billy – (971) 985-4849
 Bo – (971) 772-8307
 Amber – (503) 799-2552
 Andrey M – (503) 660-9448
 Tara – (971) 323-2699
 DJ – (503) 501-1368
 Twila – (503) 936-5185
 Caitlin – (971) 804-2848
 Nick – (503) 465-7013
 Joanie – (503) 732-4115
 Michelle – (503) 875-7985
 Cliff – (971) 283-3133
 Dick – 503) 380-5800
 Melanie – (503) 922-5014
 Sean – (971) 276-5365

Crim Anon Website:

https://www.crimanon.org

Facebook Crim Anon Home Page

https://www.facebook.com/CriminalsAnonymous/

Facebook  Crim Anon Fellowship Page:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/475073000014931/

 

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Categories: Adult Time specific event Tags: 12-step crim-anon criminalism lived experience online peer support social connection support meetings
Dec
7
Wed
01 – Support Line – L4L Racial Equity Support Line – BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free – Lines for Life – Weekdays – 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 7 all-day
01 - Support Line - L4L Racial Equity Support Line - BIPOC Lived Experience @ 1-503-575-3764 or Toll Free - Lines for Life - Weekdays - 8:30am to 5:00pm PST @ Phone

 

Crisis / Support Line For Racial Equity Support

503-575-3764
Answered by BIPOC counselors 
M-F from 8:30 AM -5:00 PM PST

The Racial Equity Support Line is a service led and staffed by people with lived experience of racism. We offer support to those who are feeling the emotional impacts of racist violence and microaggressions, as well as the emotional impacts of immigration struggles and other cross-cultural issues.

Many of us experience racism every day.

Unfortunately, we live in a culture where racist acts happen often. From workplaces to housing to healthcare, we know that our communities aren’t getting the same kind of treatment as others.

Experiencing racism can harm our mental wellness.

Whether in small acts, or violent ones, racial bias can have serious emotional impacts. Racism changes how we see the world around us. It’s stressful to worry about how people see us as different or dangerous. It’s exhausting to notice the ways that people treat us as less-than, day in and day out. It’s heartbreaking to turn on the news and learn about more violence against people who look like us.

We get it. And we’re here to talk. To support. To connect.

The person who answers may be a stranger – but we understand what you’re going through. We’ll listen to your situation as you talk through your feelings, and we may offer resources based on what seems most helpful to you.

Call us today at 503-575-3764.

This line is available weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, Pacific Standard Time.

If you have questions or want to reach the Director of Equity Initiatives, please email Donna Harrell at DonnaH@linesforlife.org.

Toll-Free Access

If you need toll-free access, call any line at Lines for Life and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line during its operating hours.

For example, you can call the Suicide Prevention Crisis Line @ 1-877-273-8255 or the Safe+Strong Helpline @ 1-800-923-4457 and ask to be transferred to the Racial Equity Support Line between 8:30am and 5pm PST.

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Categories: WARMLINES Tags: behavioral health criminal justice crisis culturally responsive disparities distress domestic violence emotional support equity financial health care health equity hope immigrant mental health2 pandemic stress peer support race racism refugee social connection social injustice social justice solidarity stress stress reduction support telephone violence warmline
VA – VisionAware – Support Groups and Other Resources For the Blind and Visually Impaired @ Online Event Register Online
Tickets
Dec 7 all-day

 

 

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support group sitting around table

Importance of Joining a Support Group

If you’ve been diagnosed with an eye condition, have a family member who has, or have become a caregiver, joining a support group may be the most important thing you’ll ever do. Whether online or in your local community, such groups offer the opportunity to talk to others; share common concerns, frustrations, and stories; and find solutions to your vision-related difficulties. For more information on support groups, you can read Support Groups and the Adjustment Process.

Check out Finding Support Groups for more information including links to directory listings of support groups.

Support Group Resources and Supportive Communities Meeting Virtually

  • The APH Directory of Services allows you to find local support groups as well as organizations that offer counseling and adjustment services, low vision services, mobility training, and vocational rehabilitation.
  • ILVSG TeleSupport – This support group is designed for older adults with low vision who may not have access to the internet or other in-person groups. It is a monthly meeting offered over the phone and there are no fees or obligations. It is designed for low vision seniors anywhere in the U.S. who have no access to the Internet or cannot attend a live support group. Learn more at: MD Support — TeleSupport or call toll-free at 1-888-866-6148 to get started!

 

  • The Friendship Line – The Institute on Aging established this toll-free line for older adults who may be depressed, lonely, disabled, or in crisis.  It is both a crisis “hotline” and a ‘warmline” for emotional support. Trained volunteers answer the calls and make calls. The Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including: providing emotional support, elder abuse reporting, well-being checks, grief support through assistance and reassurance, active suicide intervention, information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities. Volunteers will also call people on a regular basis to help monitor their  physical and mental health concerns. This service can improve the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Reach out today and call 1-800-971-0016. To learn more, visit Senior Intervention Hotline for Crisis Support Services.

 

  • Social Call – This Covia program connects adults 60 and older to new friends on the phone or video calls. Volunteers are “matched” to participants with the goal of building friendships through weekly calls.  This free service is a great way to socialize and make connections when you can’t get out in your community. Go to: Social Call | Covia Corporate or call 1-877-797-7299 to get started. 

 

  • Covia Well Connected and Well Connected Espanol– This program, previously known as Senior Center without Walls, offers enrichment, community, fun, support and learning groups for older adults who may be homebound. All groups meet over the phone and/or on-line and are free. They offer support groups specifically for the visually impaired. It is a rich and supportive community and there is something for everyone! Visit their website to check out the catalog of offerings and learn how it all works. Call 1-877-797-7299 to register and get started.  

 

  • Mather Telephone Topics – Join Telephone Topics to learn about a variety of topics: wellness, music, sports, history. Participate in live discussions and enjoy live performances from home. All you do is call the phone number or log on to the Zoom meeting. Participation is FREE and open to everyone, anywhere! Learn more at: Aging Well Discussions and Programs | Telephone Topics (mather.com)  Then click on “Download Schedule” and choose an option that interests you. If you have questions about Telephone Topics, call 1-888-600-2560.

 

  • Eye2Eye is a free phone-based peer support program which offers emotional support, assessment, information, and referrals to people who are blind or visually impaired and their families. It helps people cope with the challenges of adjusting to vision loss, using trained peer support specialists who are also blind or visually impaired. They serve people in more than twenty states.
  • The American Council of the Blind (ACB) has a list of helpful resources for people with vision loss and their families. It also has a national directory of affiliates in each state. Seniors can find information through the ACB affiliate Alliance on Aging and Vision Loss.

 

 

 

 

  • Vision Exchange is an online resource for support group leaders who facilitate support groups for adults with vision loss. The purpose is to exchange ideas, information, and community resources to help adults with low vision be more independent

 

  • The Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) was the first community-based nonprofit organization in the country to address the needs of families and friends providing long-term care at home. FCA now offers programs at national, state, and local levels to support and sustain caregivers, and has an online family support group.

 

 

Phone emotional peer support line for blind persons

Rutgers has launched the nation’s first peer support helpline for the legally blind and their families.

Eye2Eye – 833-932-3931 (83-EYE2EYE-1) – is staffed 24/7 by peer support specialists who are legally blind and understand the challenges callers face.

The program, which is funded by a grant from the Lavelle Fund for the Blind, serves residents in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The helpline assists people with vision impairments and blindness to work through some of the practical and emotional challenges associated with losing vision. Services include peer support, clinical assessment and referrals to resources for help with mental health, employment and technology. The program also offers callers resilience training to promote wellness, strength and self-care.

Recent studies show that one-third of people with vision loss suffer from depression and anxiety. This risk has gone largely unaddressed in the medical community, which has focused more on the practical problems faced by the visually impaired, such as finding employment and navigating everyday tasks, said Steven Silverstein, a clinical psychologist and vision researcher who co-directs the program with Cherie Castellano, the National Peer Support Call Center program director at  Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.

The Eye2Eye peers all have different forms of visual impairments, and these began at different times during their lives. This allows for a ‘cultural connection’ between callers with a wide range of vision problems and life concerns, and our peer counselors.”

Steven Silverstein, clinical psychologist and vision researcher

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Categories: Adult Bundled event Tags: anxiety blindness depression emotional support online peer support speacilists phone resources social connection support group
Warmline – AKV – A Kind Voice – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 7 all-day

 

 

 

 

A Kind Voice Warmline

Call in Line

Note, we needed to pause the call in line, currently calls are scheduled via the Finding A Kind Voice page. The new process follows the concept shared below. The goal is to bring back the 800 number once we can afford the proper safeguards to assure the line is always used for the intended purpose.

 

If you’re experiencing a crisis, here are some places to reach out to:

Hotline Number Link/Purpose
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, A 24/7 hotline for callers in the United States
1−800−799−SAFE (7233) The National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673) National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) National Runaway Switchboard, hotline and live chat for runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth
800-273-TALK (8255) US Veterans Crisis Hotline

 

 

 

 

 

Support groups and professional counseling services:

Group/Service Link/Purpose
Warm Lines Find a Warm Line in your area – Warm lines are a staffed by people in recovery themselves. Peer operators are trained to attentively listen, offer compassion and assist callers in connecting with their own internal strengths and direction.
The Friendship Line The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention center and a “warm” line for routine, even daily, phone calls that provide emotional support, medication reminders and well-being check-ins.
Alcoholics Anonymous Find a chapter in your area
Professional Counselors Find a professional counselor in your area

 

Connecting in person:
If you’d like to connect with people you share a common interest with, Meet-up.com offers events such as book discussions, hiking, playing board games and much more.

 

A Kind Voice Website:

http://www.akindvoice.org/

 

Facebook Social Media Page:

https://www.facebook.com/AKindVoice/

 

Video by Founder in 2012:

https://youtu.be/tcN-dqz6DZM

 

More videos and radio shows to enjoy!

https://akindvoice.org/ourstory/

 

Library of On Demand Radio Shows

https://www.blogtalkradio.com/akindvoice

 

Program Links:
A Kind Voice on Music
A Kind Voice on Books
A Kind Voice on Movies
A Kind Voice on Sports
A Kind Voice on Good News
A Kind Voice on Big Ideas and Philosophy
A Kind Voice on Employment, Opportunity and Innovation
Your Kind Voice

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Categories: Bundled event Time specific event WARMLINES Tags: blog peer support phone radio social social connection social solidarity telephone wellness
Warmline – IOA – Institute on Aging – The Friendship Line – 24/7 – Weekdays and Weekends @ Phone
Tickets
Dec 7 all-day

THE FRIENDSHIP LINE

24 Hour Telephone Hotline/Warmline

800-971-0016

We support individuals who find connecting within the community challenging

The Institute on Aging’s 24-hour toll-free Friendship Line is the only accredited crisis line in the country for people aged 60 years and older, and adults living with disabilities. We also make on-going outreach calls to lonely older adults. While there are other organizations that respond to the needs of people who may be contemplating suicide, none provides the type of services that IOA’s Friendship Line offers to respond to the public health problem of suicide among the elderly. Knowing that older people do not contact traditional suicide prevention centers on a regular basis even if they are considering suicide, we created the only program nationwide that reaches out to lonely, depressed, isolated, frail and/or suicidal older adults. Our trained volunteers specialize in offering a caring ear and having a friendly conversation with depressed older adults.

The Friendship Line is both a crisis intervention hotline and a warmline for non-emergency emotional support calls. Founded in 1973 by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Director of IOA’s Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention, and accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, Friendship Line provides round-the-clock crisis support services including:

  • Providing emotional support
  • Elder abuse reporting
  • Well-being checks
  • Grief support through assistance and reassurance
  • Active suicide intervention
  • Information and referrals for isolated older adults, and adults living with disabilities

In addition to receiving incoming calls, Friendship Line also offers outreach to eligible callers. We connect with people on a regular basis, and help monitor their physical and mental health concerns. The call-out services act as an intervention to prevent suicide in the long term by improving the quality of life and connectedness of isolated callers. Any aging adult or person living with disabilities, who suffers from depression, loneliness, isolation, anxiousness, or may be thinking about death or suicide, can benefit from completely confidential phone calls with Friendship Line volunteers. Sometimes the road to happiness begins by simply saying hello to someone who cares.

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Categories: Adult WARMLINES Tags: aging conversation disabilities disability elders isolation loneliness older adults phone seniors social connection telephone warmline
December 2022 Dec 2022