Hotline
began providing the community with information
and a listening ear in 1970. Though the service
was created to address drug and pregnancy concerns,
it quickly grew into a general 24-hour confidential
telephone “counseling”, information and crisis
intervention service. Through volunteers, Hotline
provides help anytime, for anyone, about any
concern or issue, with a philosophy of “helping
people help themselves.”
In response to calls from abused women, in 1980,
Hotline helped to create “My Sister’s House,”
a shelter for battered women and children. Several
years later, it spun off into an independent
non-profit organization.
In
1989, Hotline became aware of a growing population
of people who were "left behind" by
loved ones who chose suicide as a way to end
their pain. “Survivors" often felt confused,
alone, sad, angry, and frightened. With the
help of two survivors, Hotline created a Survivors
of Suicide Support Group, which still meets
twice a month.
In
1990, Hotline extended its service to young
people with the creation of TeenLine. Trained
high school volunteers are available for teens
who would rather talk to someone their own age.
Supportive listening and information is provided
through a separate phone line by these trained
teens with adult back-up.
In
collaboration with Community Health Partners,
Hotline expanded its information and referral
role in 1998 with the implementation of the
area’s first on-line searchable database of
over 1000 helping resources serving the tri-county
area. The web site: www.211help.org, allows
anyone access to clear and accurate information
about community resources 24 hours a day. Hard
copies of the Resource Directory can also be
purchased.
In 2002, Hotline became certified by the American
Association of Suicidology and joined the Hopeline
Network and the Lifeline Network. Through these
networks, Hotline receives calls from anyone
in crisis in South Carolina who dials 1-800-SUICIDE
or 1-800- 273 TALK in search of help. In November
of that same year, Hotline became the phone
contact for “Darkness to Light”, a powerful
child abuse prevention campaign. Ads run a toll
free number (1-866-FOR-LIGHT) that encourages
people to call for help – and that number rings
on our lines and is answered by our phone counselors.
In February of 2003, Hotline legally merged
with Trident United Way and became 2-1-1 Hotline,
the place to call to give or get help. This
national initiative allows tri-county residents
to reach us simply by dialing “2-1-1” from any
home phone. This easy to remember number, and
commitment to promoting volunteering in the
community, has expanded our services even further.
Many initiatives are being created to increase
volunteerism, with “Day of Caring” being the
largest, where corporations give back by allowing
thousands of their employees to work on service
projects for that one day all over the community.
As
the hub of information and a successful training
ground for volunteers, 2-1-1 Hotline has evolved
into a community wide training and convening
role. Our “Network News” is a monthly newsletter
with the latest information in the local human
service/non profit arena. We regularly teach
critical communication and life skills through
our Community Education and Outreach programs
to interested groups. We actively participate
in planning for many local initiatives, and
hold leadership roles on several area task forces.
We know that by working together we can do more!
As
you can see, growth has brought change to the
mechanics and availability of the Hotline service,
but not to the philosophy or mission. 2-1-1
Hotline continues its commitment to "helping
people help themselves." Non-directive,
non-judgmental listening is offered to facilitate
the caller's exploration, and acceptance of
responsibility for the feelings and stress experienced.
Individual needs, feelings, and resources are
respected, and free expression is invited. We
operate on the belief that talking and "being
heard" can help. Information and referral
to community resources compatible with the caller's
needs is provided as well.
2-1-1
Hotline is funded as a program of Trident United
Way. However, it could never exist without the
countless hours and remarkable dedication given
by volunteers. For callers, 2-1-1 Hotline is
a general counseling and crisis intervention
resource. For those of us who are involved with
2-1-1 Hotline, it is commitment to personal
growth and support of others in the same endeavor.
It is a belief in each individual's right and
responsibility to choose direction and definition.
It is acceptance of and respect for differences,
and affirmation of others as significant, valuable
beings.
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