by Courtney Cook, Crisis Chat Intervention Program Coordinator

Louisiana’s statewide text-based chatline provides anonymous, confidential, and free crisis and emotional support and resource information to survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones. Since the helpline was launched in December of 2021, we have successfully trained five cohorts of volunteer support specialists. The support specialists complete a 40-hour training that includes a self-paced portion as well as a virtual live training once a week for four weeks. The training is facilitated by the Crisis Chat Intervention Program Coordinator, Courtney Cook, LMSW. It focuses on trauma informed crisis intervention including grounding techniques modified for a text-based helpline. Part of the live training is introducing some of these activities to the trainees. This year, modifications to the training curriculum were made to better accommodate volunteers and smaller cohorts. The changes allow flexibility for fluctuations in volunteer interest and scheduling. Initially the training took place every three months, now training can take place every six weeks or whenever there are enough applicants. Helpline Supervisor, Jocelyn Mondragon summed up the necessity of the modifications best when she commented, “With a large group, training feels fast paced, whereas with a smaller group it feels like you can take your time with the lessons, as well as have enough time to keep everyone on the same page.” The helpline staff felt it was necessary to accommodate each individual’s particular learning style throughout the training. This not only helps with group cohesion, but also with confidence of the volunteers when assisting survivors on the chatline. Aubri Davis, Helpline Supervisor, stated, “I feel we are able to discuss the training material more in depth and able to clear up any confusion so that no specialist leaves the training feeling discouraged.” Assisting survivors in moments of crisis, especially on a text or chatline platform, can come with some anxiety, however building bonds within our group of volunteers and helpline staff creates a strong support system to drastically reduce any uncertainties and build confidence.

           Currently, the chatline is open Monday-Thursday 12pm-8pm and Friday-Sunday 4pm-12am. It is always staffed with a helpline supervisor as well as a volunteer support specialist when available. Volunteers are only required to take four shifts each month, and each shift is only four hours long. These minimal requirements are ideal for anyone from full time employees to college students who would like to commit some time to voluntarily assist survivors of sexual assault in times of crisis or when looking for resources in the state of Louisiana. One support specialist, Clark Bucko has been a chatline volunteer for about a year and a half. When asked to comment on what they liked about volunteering on the chatline they expressed, “The LaFASA team works with the community to end sexual violence, and the Chatline makes a direct difference in the lives of people experiencing sexual violence and those who want to know how to support them. As a survivor myself, this work is personally meaningful, and my intention is always to bring compassion, understanding, and tangible resources to every shift. This work is challenging yet so important, and it truly takes a team! I am grateful to be able to contribute my time as a LaFASA volunteer.” The chatline could not exist without dedicated volunteers like Clark, and it is important for survivors to know that the support specialists are here to listen and support them in anything that they might need. Whether that is looking for local resources, just needing someone to talk to, or wanting help to plan their next steps in their own healing process helpline supervisors and chatline support specialists are committed to assisting anyone in Louisiana impacted by sexual violence. The chatline is accessible by texting (225) 351-SAFE (7233) or through LaFASA’s website LaFASA.org. If you are interested in volunteering you can email courtney@lafasa.org for more information!