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 opportunity to become engaged with other projects related to our services. Samaritans has a very active and involved Outreach and Education Program. We go to other non-profits, schools, jails and prisons, mental health facilities, and after-school programs to educate the Greater Boston Community on depression and suicide prevention. PULSE students w ill 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 supervisors. All of the training, the scheduling, and the ongoing direction will be provided by the Program Services Team. This team is overseen by the Director of Program Services and includes staff, homeleaders, and trainers. We feel it is essential that students have support and guidance throughout the year and that the interaction they have with their supervisors is critical. The work at Samaritans is extremely rewarding, yet it can also be emotional and difficult; thus, it is of utmost importance that a solid foundation is created for the students.
Each PULSE student will be assigned a primary supervisor and is responsible for keeping in touch with his or her designed supervisor throughout the Samaritans experience. PULSE students will interact with many different staff members and mentors at the center in addition to participating in agency in-services, community education and the keeping and sharing of weekly journals. This is highly encouraged at Samaritans in order to ensure constant communication, involvement and interaction for the PULSE students. Additionally, PULSE students are required to attend monthly reflection and discussion groups to keep in close contact with their supervisors. It is important to know that communication is key at Samaritans.
Supervisors
Kim Kates
Director of Survivor Services
kkates@samaritanshope.org
Ron White
Director of Programs
rwhite@samaritanshope.org
Address
141 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 536-2460 ex. 2239
www.samaritanshope.org
Council Member
Ben Applegate