Nature and Purpose
The Samaritans of Boston is a non-profit, non-religiously affiliated, suicide prevention center.  Since 1974 we have worked to reduce the incidence of suicide and to alleviate feelings of isolation in the greater Boston area through our 24-hour telephone befriending service.  This line is staffed entirely by volunteers trained to offer non-judgmental listening and support to lonely, depressed and suicidal individuals. 
   Befrienders do not give advise or try to solve the problems of callers.  Rather, by offering unqualified respect and caring, befrienders seek to understand callers’ feelings and, in doing so, briefly share a burden that has become to heavy.  Befrienders do not aim to fix, but rather offer respite.  Volunteers must be able to listen well and to reserve judgment.  They must also be willing to hear about suicide and death, and able to remain calm during crises. 
   We are looking for 10 PULSE students.

Tasks 
As Samaritans befrienders, PULSE students will provide non-judgmental listening and support to those calling the 24-hour hotline.  Students will have the opporunity to become engaged with other projects related to our services.  The Samaritans of Boston has a very active and involved Outreach and Education Program; we go to other non-profits, jails and prisons, mental health facilities, and after-school programs to educate the Greater Boston Community on depression and suicide prevention. PULSE students will be able to partake in these workshops and trainings, if their schedule permits. As the PULSE students become more and more a part of the agency, there will be many opportunities for them to serve as mentors, assistant trainers, and advocates for newer volunteers coming in the door.

Time Requirements
To become a Samaritan volunteer, students must be interviewed, accepted and prepared to begin a training class at the end of September.  An interview does not guarantee selection.  Upon completion of the training class, PULSE students will be asked to spend eight hours per week at the placement, usually two 4-hour shifts. We also require that each student work one 8-hour overnight shift per month. 

Supervision
The PULSE students will have a great deal of interaction with their supervisors. All of the training, the scheduling, and the on-going feedback will be provided by the Program Services Team. This team is made up of the Program Services Manager, the Youth Program Coordinator, the Volunteer Coordinator, the Training Coordinator, and the Homeleaders. We feel it is imperative that the students have the support and guidance they need to do this type of work. Each PULSE student will be assigned a primary supervisor but will be in contact with many different staff and mentors at the center. There will be a monthly reflection and discussion meeting facilitated by the Program Services team. In addition, PULSE volunteers will be expected to be in close contact with his or her direction supervisor. COMMUNICATION is key at the Samaritans. We will also encourage the PULSE students to share weekly journal entries with us. 

Supervisors 
Jane Linquist
Youth Program Coordinator 

 Kim Kates
 Program Services Manager
 

Address
The Samaritans of Boston 
654 Beacon Street 6th Floor 
Boston, MA 02215 
Tel.: (617) 536-2460 
www.samaritansofboston.org

Council Member:    Laura Terlouw