New model expands supportive listening and connection and invites community members to volunteer

Syracuse, NY – May 11, 2026 – For more than 55 years, Contact Community Services has provided compassionate support to the Central New York community through its Contact Hotline. As community needs and available resources continue to evolve, the organization announced that it is transitioning to the Contact Warmline, a service that will provide supportive listening, emotional connection and access to community resources during dedicated operating hours rather than as a 24/7 service.

The transition reflects how mental health support has evolved. With the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline now providing 24/7 crisis intervention and Contact serving as the regional 988 center, Contact is aligning its local service to focus on early support and prevention, helping people get the right level of care at the right time.

In addition to 988, Contact also continues to answer 211 calls, connecting community members to essential needs like housing, food, and financial assistance. Together, 988 and 211 ensure access to both crisis care and critical resources across the region.

“Not every difficult moment is a crisis, but everyone deserves someone to talk to,” said Antara Mitra, Executive Director of Contact Community Services. “The Warmline creates a simple, welcoming entry point for people who feel stressed, lonely, or overwhelmed and ensures they can be connected to additional support, including 988 or 211, when needed.”

The Warmline is powered by trained Community Connector volunteers, everyday people who show up to listen, support, and connect with others. As part of the Warmline launch, Contact Community Services is actively seeking volunteers to serve as Community Connector volunteers.

With focused training and flexible scheduling, volunteers can make a meaningful impact by providing supportive listening and connection to individuals navigating stress, loneliness, uncertainty or difficult moments. Contact will host several upcoming volunteer information sessions for interested community members:

  • Tuesday, May 19, at 11 a.m. at Contact Community Services’ large conference room
  • Wednesday, May 20, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
  • Wednesday, May 27, at 7 p.m. via Zoom
  • Friday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at Contact Community Services’ large conference room

Individuals interested in attending an information session or learning more about volunteering can email [email protected].

“Volunteering at Contact is an amazing experience, said Stuart Groom, a longtime volunteer. “In a world of constant stress and anxiety, it’s rewarding to help others. No two humans are identical, but we all face issues, concerns, anxieties, and a volunteer helps by being someone to talk to, to listen, to relate, and to empathize. It makes all the difference.” 

For more information about the Contact Warmline and other services, visit:
 www.contactsyracuse.org

 

About Contact Community Services:

Contact Community Services is a nonprofit organization based in Central New York passionately committed to empowering community members of all ages through compassionate support. Our mission is to provide a lifeline for individuals in crisis, fostering mental well-being across communities. Dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health education, we offer safe spaces where hope and healing thrive. Through our main program areas—Crisis and Suicide Prevention, School Support Services, and Training and Education—Contact operates vital services like the 988 Lifeline and 211 CNY. These initiatives strengthen our community by ensuring access to crucial support and resources. Learn more at contactsyracuse.org.