What is Contact USA?
CONTACT USA (CUSA) is a network of crisis intervention centers across the nation. Conceived in 1967 as a response to the growing social issues of a changing nation, CONTACT has grown and evolved into a network of over 50 centers in 20 states, exploring new ways in which to serve their individual communities. In 2010, CONTACT USA implemented its newest project to further reach out to those in need of help during a crisis. This project which offers online emotional support can be found at www.CrisisChat.org. Crisis Chat provides help online to anyone who might be depressed, despairing or thinking about suicide, and who would may be reluctant use the telephone to seek out help.
One factor remains constant in each center—from Connecticut to California: thousands of volunteers that commit their time and help to serve their community through work at a CONTACT center. An elderly woman with time on her hands; a young couple with social concerns; a single mother, father, brother, sister - it matters not. They are all volunteers with one common goal - to be a human voice that will listen, relate and share.
CUSA Centers are often the initial link in the human service chain. Many other health and social service organizations turn to us not only to handle their after-hours calls, but as their first step for clients entering their programs. Often, whether or not a person gets help can be determined by that first call to CONTACT.
Mission
Providing leadership and support to centers that provide helpline services to people in crisis or need.
Vision
The leadership and support Contact USA provides will enable member centers to thrive and provide professional, effective service
Values Statement
CONTACT USA is a network of telephone helpline centers that strives to help callers realize their human potential, self-worth, and inner resources to resolve problems or issues affecting their well-being. CONTACT exists to uphold the principles on which it was founded: caring, love, peace, inclusiveness, non-judgmental acceptance of all people, and social justice in serving our communities.
Board of Directors
Mary Drexler, Executive Director
Tim Jansen, Chair
Molly McCoy Brack, Vice Chair and Accreditation Coordinator
Dorothy Triplett, Secretary
Eleanor Letcher, Treasurer
Michael Reading, Member
Becci Reedus, Member
Virginia Bainbridge, Member
Marshall Ellis, Member
Brenda Patterson, Member