Volunteers sought for youth help line

Volunteers are needed to answer phones at 2NDFLOOR, a youth help line available for young people to call any time of the day or night about anything on their minds. It is available to children and young adults between the ages of 10 and 24. Calls are answered by volunteers and professional staff who use a technique called "active listening" to help young people resolve their difficulties. This is an anonymous and confidential service that is designed to head off problems before they become overwhelming.

Call volume has quadrupled in the past year is and is expected to total at least 100,000 calls by next September. There is an urgent need for caring, committed volunteers to work as phone representatives at the call center's Hazlet office. Anyone who enjoys talking to young people, is willing to undergo a background check, will participate in a 40-hour training program and commit to a minimum number of volunteer hours per month is invited to become part of the 2NDFLOOR team. To become a volunteer, call 732-264-4111 or register online at 2ndfloor.org.

2NDFLOOR is a program of 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., a Monmouth County nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual abuse.