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_ Page 2A of" 3. The Mental Health Association of Indian River County has sinced 1976 operated a 1000' volunteer staff 24 hours per day Crisis Line. Presently there are 31 volunteers per week manning the phone lines offering Crisis Information on 4 hour shifts to record calls on an average of 12 calls per day. 4. It is a credit to the Mental I:ealth Association and our volunteers that with minimal finances and training this program has continued through the total cuts of all government funding. The program needs to expand and solidify in a coastal city such as Vero Beach where our population is expected to 'grow from 60,000 to 96,800 in ten years. This grant request is for supportive service to expand and improve the existing Crisis Line -Service, provide extensive training, develop information and referral book and increase public relations. Information and Referral Presently Crisis Line needs another phone, typewriter, file cabinet and copier to be used by volunteers to develop a detailed and extensive information and referral book listing all the resources that are available for our county residents. This book once compiled will be used by Crisis Line volunteers to improve efficiency and accuracy in handling referrals and also distribute to over 40 Social Services Agencies in Indian River County for the use of their staff. Training As our present economic picture tightens we are seeing more and more people no longer being able to obtain sources' such as food stamps, loans, AFDC, and housing which of course increases the stress level in these individuals. At Crisis Line we feel our volunteers need to be better prepared thru a 10 session course with monthly training continuing consisting of pamphlets, articles, speakers, movies, tapes and manuals, to educate the volunteer on all sources available to help the in calling clients. This training will also give information on all agencies as well as how to handle suicide, depression, and rape calls. We would like more training materials for our blind volunteers. Public Relations ccs , Since VerO--Bteelt population is expected to increase by 36,800 over,the nex+ ten years that will mean there will be an increase of calls and that will require more volunteers to work on the line. We need to increase the number of volunteers of 31 to 82 over the next few years. (double shifts) Public Relations material such as brochures, fliers, TV and radio spots will help promote the need for volunteers plus tell the community the service that Crisis Line provides. Also a billboard in the community advertising Crisis Line would be a great asset for those needing our service and wanting to volunteer. 5. a. Provided more Crisis Line Volunteers b. Provide professional Crisis Line volunteers through training to improve service. C. Develop'an Information & Referral book for Crisis Line volunteers and Agencies to improve the effectiveness of service. d. Be able to accept more calls and increase volunteers. e. To give to the community a Clearing House for all calls to help the agency sand client. f. Provide better training for our Blind volunteers. 6. Yes, the Spouse Abuse Agency is interested in the idea of paying Crisis Line for handling their night time calls once they are confident that the volunteers have had an extensive training. Using the Crisis Line number is the only way a spouse abuse victim can get in touch with the shelter. Also with the public relations we feel it will increase the membership and support from the local clubs which helps support the line. FEB 21982 ' 48 F'1r -to