Youth help line seeks more volunteer advocates

Many people wish to make a difference in a child's life, and 2nd Floor is offering that chance.

The 2nd Floor program is a toll-free, anonymous and confidential help line for children and adolescents in New Jersey. The help line is a program of 180 Turning Lives Around, which is a private nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, counseling, protection, support, education and advocacy for Monmouth County residents affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.

The hotline receives thousands of calls each month from young people needing help with peer relationships, substance abuse, family difficulties, dating relationships and a host of other problems that they face on a daily basis. The phone lines are staffed with master's-level counselors who are assisted by volunteer advocates.

Volunteer advocates are needed and can now train online using an e-learning course, followed by 20 hours of hands-on training at the call center in the Bayshore area.

Those interested in joining the mission should visit www.2ndFloor.org and click on "adult volunteer" or contact volunteer coordinator Regine Tollefsen at (732) 264- 4111.