Many people who are in crisis need a listening ear.
Action in Community Through Service’s (ACTS) 24/7 helpline serves that purpose.
Some callers are feeling suicidal. Other people have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault.
They could also be calling for financial reasons.
“Whatever anyone’s crisis is, we’re here to listen and talk about it,” ACTS Helpline Director Kate Long said.
To reach the ACTS Helpline, call (703) 368-4141.
Personnel also answer calls for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255.
Senior Link is another service offered by ACTS.
Running from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day, the program seeks to check in on seniors.
There are many reasons why individuals sign up.
For those who are isolated and unable to see family members, Senior Link allows them to talk to someone at a certain time.
“Others, you know, they said they can’t remember when to take their medication so that’s been very helpful, and for some folks they … don’t have people in their lives and this provides a comfort, a support — a system to say, ‘Hey, we’re here to listen,’” Long explained.
Members of the public can support the helpline through funding.
This will allow ACTS to have more staff who are able to answer calls.
“We have a really great team here, people that are willing to listen,” Long added. “We don’t rush folks off the phone, we make sure that they feel heard, and if they want a call later to check on them, see how they’re doing — whether … they’re a part of Senior Link or not — we can provide that service, we can do follow-up calls, as well.”
Anyone interested in Senior Link may sign up by calling (703) 368-4141.
An individual will contact them, verify that they would like to be added to the list, and ask them when and how often they would like to be called.
