2nd Floor announces new features on Internet site

HAZLET - After two years of unprecedented growth in addressing broad adolescent issues, the 2nd Floor youth helpline, a program of 180 Turning Lives Around Inc., has announced the launch of a special outreach campaign available to Monmouth County youth.

The helpline, which has received more than 9,700 calls to date and countless Web visits, will mark the start of its third year with a revamped Web site (www.2ndfloor.org) equipped with a new home page, resource page with helpful links, and an interactive message board called "Speak Your Mind."

School superintendents and administrators, guidance counselors, government officials, students and general supporters were in attendance at a press conference held at Raritan High School, Hazlet, to raise awareness about the spectrum of issues impacting the youth in the state such as gang violence, peer and family relationships, sexuality, mental health and substance abuse.

"Kids can call to talk about anything on their minds, and I think that is what is so unique about the helpline," Anna Diaz-White, executive director of 180 Turning Lives Around, said in a press release. "Many young people have programmed the number into their cell phones. Thousands of kids have called our confidential helpline reinforcing the need for a positive resource such as this."

Like many schools throughout Monmouth County, Raritan High School, Hazlet, has proactively sought positive resources for its student body by establishing the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Program and the 4-11 Peer Mentor Program, both designed with the common goal of encouraging youths to talk to their parents, friends, or other trusted resources when problems arise.

"I have been happy to spread the word about 2nd Floor," said Tom Hanlon, guidance director of Raritan High School. "Their trained counselors and volunteers lend a sympathetic ear and offer sound advice to our students who are trying to deal with the many issues of growing up. 2nd Floor has become an important addition to our guidance resources."

In addition to enhancing the Web site, the program continues to offer quarterly contests and surveys designed to encourage youths to become involved and express themselves through common topics posted on the Web site. 2nd Floor also launched its first audio-visual commercial debuting in classrooms, lunchrooms and study halls throughout Monmouth County's middle schools and high schools.

2nd Floor has partnered with community agencies and presented its message to more than 70 community organizations.

According to Jennifer Freyer, director of the Family Division, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, "From a prosecutor's perspective, 2nd Floor is invaluable. Young people desperately need an outlet, so that they will be less likely to act out by committing a crime, hurting themselves, or running away."

The 2nd Floor youth helpline is the only toll-free helpline in Monmouth County dedicated to broad youth issues. Designed as a positive resource to help children and youth, 2nd Floor has grown beyond Monmouth County to include parts of Philadelphia and the Mercer County area. The toll-free helpline, (888) 222-2228, operates from 9 a.m. until midnight seven days a week and is staffed by trained volunteers who provide an understanding, nonjudgmental and caring response to callers. 2nd Floor does not provide psychotherapy/professional counseling, or access to assistance in a medical or other emergency.

180 Turning Lives Around is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to ending domestic violence, family violence, abuse, and sexual assault in our community. 180 is committed to providing shelter, counseling, protection, education and advocacy for residents of Monmouth County who are affected by domestic violence and sexual assault. To learn more about 180 Turning Lives Around visit www.180nj.org. Those who need immediate emergency assistance can call the organization's toll-free, 24-hour hotlines for domestic violence at (888) 843-9262 or (732) 264-4111; for sexual assault contact (888) 264-RAPE or (732) 264-RAPE.