Joliet-based hotline seeking Catholics in good standing

The Upper Room Crisis Hotline has expanded its program and is seeking volunteer phone counselors.

Volunteers provide “focused and undivided attention through reflective listening, empathy, nonjudgement and compassion,” according to Terry Smith, executive director of the Upper Room Crisis Hotline.

In addition, volunteers may offer prayer and other spiritual support if callers request it and provide additional resources if callers need that level of support, according to Smith. Callers may be experiencing anxiety, depression, and loneliness, which may be exacerbated by the COVI-19 pandemic, according to Smith.

Training will begin Sept. 2 and end Oct. 26. Training sessions are two hours long and sessions will be held 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays over Zoom.

Instructors are “highly qualified, credentialed professionals with experience as university professors and or years of experience in the fields of mental health, education, ministry and other areas,” according to Smith.

The training is free.

Smith said volunteers must be Catholics in good standing and have integrity, a strong faith, integrity and a compassionate heart for those in need. A mental health background is a plus but not a qualification, according to Smith.

Sister Mary Frances Seeley, board president and special advisor, established the Upper Room Crisis Hotline in 2008. The hotline initially served clergy and religious but was expanded to serve all callers – regardless of their faith or lack of faith – in 2013.

The Upper Room Hotline receives calls from the U.S. and more than 35 other countries.

To register for training or for more information, visit Catholichotline.org or contact Smith at 815-727- 4367 or 630-988-7395.

Those who need support may call the hotline at 888-808-8724.