The Center for Youth and Family Solutions Provides Free Tele Counseling Emotional Support Line
The Center for Youth and Family Solutions announced today they will be providing a FREE emotional support line for health care providers, first responders, and human service professionals who are at the frontlines of this crisis. In addition, any community individual or family who has loved ones who have been infected or impacted by (COVID-19) can call for support.
“In our commitment to resolve life challenges together with the communities we serve, we hope to provide compassion and support for the emotional health of health providers, caregivers, and those affected by coronavirus,” stated Stephanie Barisch, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator/Assistant Clinical Director for the agency.
Individuals needing support should text SUPPORT to the number (309) 213-2935 and one of the agency’s trained staff will contact the individual by phone. Hours of operation are 8 am – 8 pm every day (including weekends).
“These are extremely stressful times for families, and especially those individuals who are putting themselves at risk by helping others each day. The support line is one way that our trained counselors can offer tele- support to those impacted by Covid-19,” stated Pat Carlson, Clinical Director at The Center for Youth and Family Solutions.
The service will be available beginning Thursday, April 9, 2020. The service will provide emotional support and community referrals as needed to callers.
*Please note, this service is not intended to be a crisis hotline. Anyone in crisis should contact 911 or call the National Suicide Hotline 1-800- 273-8255.
CYFS is a not-for-profit social services agency that works with families who have been impacted by trauma, grief and loss, abuse and neglect, and other significant family life challenges. The organization provides foster care and adoption services; behavioral health counseling; pregnancy counseling; intact family intervention; residential
services for youth; senior services; and youth, family, and community outreach services. Its mission is to engage and serve children and families in need with dignity, compassion, and respect by building upon individual and community strengths to resolve life challenges. CYFS has 11 offices across Illinois, and annually serves nearly 8,000 families in 37 counties, and over 20,000 individuals statewide.
For more information on The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, please visit www.cyfsolutions.org or contact Celeste Matheson, Director of Communications at 309-634-1611.