"I shall pass through this world but once. If there be any kindness, I can show or any good thing I can do, let me do it now…for I shall not pass this way again."
Thank you for considering volunteering with PATH. Our team is always looking for compassionate, respectful, and responsible prospects to join us.
PATH offers the following volunteer opportunities:
211 Call Center Volunteers
Spring (usually beginning in early February), Summer (usually starting in mid-June), and Fall (generally beginning in mid-September).
Training Information
Becoming a PATH paraprofessional crisis line worker is not a typical volunteer experience, but it is rewarding. We teach you a broad range of skills, including essential communication and active listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and a nationally accredited human service information & referral curriculum.
All volunteers go through a highly structured training program that has received national recognition.
Key Features
Classroom learning weekly for six weeks and runs on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Hands-on learning in the call center for call center specialists handling 2-1-1 line calls; weekly three-hour shift for six weeks with a wide range of shift times available.
Weekly interactive reading assignments.
Role plays with immediate evaluation and feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get a call I can't handle?
This is the most common fear among new trainees. While our training program teaches you how to handle human service crises, it is comforting to know that there is 24/7 professional back-up. You work on the phone lines knowing that there are competent, trained professionals to help you.
Are there any requirements?
You must be 18 years of age or older. Because of the tremendous investment PATH has in the process of training you, we only accept individuals who can commit to volunteering at least 120 hours following the end of the training. This takes approximately six months, longer if you are a student who goes home over breaks and summer.
What is the volunteer commitment?
We ask for one 3-hour shift a week and one overnight per month. The overnight runs from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. You select times that fit into your schedule. If you are a single parent, over age 60, or have a disability that would make overnights difficult, talk to the staff about your needs.
I am a college student. Can I get credit for doing this?
Different colleges have different criteria for professional practicums, especially in the fields of psychology and sociology. However, we have had people from health education and communications also receive course credit. Contact the internship coordinator in your school/field areas to find out more. Bachelor's level social work students can use the PATH experience for their required volunteer hours.
Where do we meet for training?
Training on Wednesday evenings is held physically in PATH Inc.'s auditorium. The call center training portion also occurs physically in PATH Inc.'s 211call center.
What does PATH look for in a prospective volunteer?
Good listening skills, open-minded attitudes, desire to help others, time for the training process, commitment to the cause help a volunteer excel in the call center.
When is the next class?
The next class for crisis line volunteers will begin in September of 2022. Classes meet for six weeks from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Fill out an application now!
Are you interested in being a Volunteer? Click here to complete the application.
