TeenLine Volunteers

TeenLine is the youth-run crisis hotline that serves the Tri-County area of South Carolina. With partial funding by the United Way and private donations, it ensures that all Tri-County youth have a free, safe place to call when they are experiencing a crisis. The telephones are staffed with carefully screened and trained teen volunteers with adult supervision. Issues such as pregnancy, sexual assault, suicide and peer and family pressures are responded to in a serious manner with referrals made to community agencies when needed.

This diverse group of volunteers is comprised of 25 young people. The group of teens must complete an initial interest form with references, schedule an interview, complete an application form, successfully complete 35 hours of training, endure ongoing supervision and schedule their own shifts

These teens respond to thousands of calls each year. They also help each other through tough calls. They have become each other's support system. They often volunteer to help train new volunteers, staff information booths and perform clerical duties.

TeenLine lets young people know they are not alone and that it is okay to ask for help. It gives them the opportunity to be heard and offers them non-judgmental listening, support and understanding.