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 Peer Support Line

Our peer support line is toll - free and is open during operating hours of our Peer - Support Center, Dimensions. 

The toll-free telephone number is available throughout the country.  We have received calls from as far away as California.  The support line serves to provide an alternative support to people and can also initiate advocacy help.

The Empowerment Center’s support line was established in mid 1999.  A 40- page manual was developed, which outlines a telephone support program to aid the distressed and provide an empathetic ear to those who desperately need someone to listen.

The Peer Support Line receives over to ten calls per day often helping lonely, frightened and sometimes frantic people.  Trained operators know what to say and more importantly what not to say to empathetically connect with callers.

The support line staff usually operates the phones seven days a week, from 8 AM until 8 PM Monday through Friday and from12:00 Noon to 5:00PM on the weekends.  If we are not available please call for support and technical assistance The Coalition toll - free number 1 (800) 654-7227.

Support Line Phone

I’m sitting at the Reception Desk at Dimensions in the evening.  Time for me to answer Peer Support Line calls, and greet people when they come in the door.

People come in and sit and talk, watch the news on TV, or just relax.  It’s a quieter time.  It’s never boring because there are always people to interact with, which is good because I get out of myself completely.  It’s good to be with people.  This is the best thing in the world for me, to get out of my own head and my own thoughts and think of others.  This is when I’m at my best.

Did I mention that nighttime at Dimensions becomes more tranquil?  Not dull.  There is more hustle and action during the day, but the later hours take on a different tone.

The phone rings - it’s a Peer Support Line call.  There are many regulars who call each night.  I start to think I hope I am helping each and every one of them but I can also identify with a part of each of them even if it is only a small part.  Yes, I understand when one of the callers may complain about “everything”.  I can certainly identify and understand the feelings.

I can understand when they talk about depression, about feeling anxious, etc.  I know I’m there to help, but I must also remember that I’ve “been there”.

The phone rings again……another Peer Support Line call.

Collective Reality: Elaine Rondinelli