Counseling Services developed from the need for low cost, quick and easily accessible services. With appointments scheduled on evening and weekends, our Counseling Services provide quick responses to client's needs.
The seven counselors available are men and women with Masters degrees in the field of social work and counseling.
Free assessments can be made by calling or emailing us.
Click here for our Counseling Service Page for full details. |
Reassurance Contact provides free weekly "wellness checks" via telephone for elderly, disabled, or home bound citizens. Sign up for yourself or other loved ones. Volunteers are needed.
Click here to experience Reassurance Contact.
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Teen Court, a prevention, early intervention and youth development program, started in November 1989. Teens who have committed an offense that has brought them to the attention of police have an opportunity to appear before a court of their peers who determine their sentence. Youth are trained to serve in the roles of prosecution, defense, bailiff, clerk and jurors. Fifteen years of outcomes prove the success of the project to teach youth personal responsibility for their actions. Volunteers are currently being recruited.
Click here for the Teen Court experience. |
Crisis Contact, is the Crisis Center's pilot program. In 1971, volunteers created the 'Rap Line' to answer incoming calls from individual who needed information, referral, or just someone to talk to. The line also doubled as a suicide prevention hotline. Today, the program, which merged in 2003 with another local hotline service, is known as Crisis Contact. To reach our 7-day a week hotline, call 219-938-0900 (toll-free: 1-800-519-0469). To reach our 24-hour hotline call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Volunteers are needed and professional training is offered free of charge.
Click here to connect to Crisis Contact. |
Safe Place began in March 1987 to provide outreach to youth. Safe Place combines public/private cooperation to get help fast to youth in crisis situations. Businesses provide a safe location and display a Safe Place sign. Youth are transported to Alternative House where their problem is addressed. Lake & Porter county businesses and other public locations are encouraged to sign up to become a safe place site. Free materials and training are included.
Click here to find your Safe Place. |
...because you're only a child, once |
Alternative House, an emergency, short-term shelter for runaway, homeless, pushed out, abused or neglected youth, ages 6 to 18, opened in January 1976. Professional staff act as advocates helping youth deal with personal or parent conflicts, preventing family deterioration, and providing individual, group and family counseling. Other services include recreation, an in-house, half-day school, transportation to their home community school, and to referred health services. Year-long follow-up contacts with parents or caregivers determines the success of youth for a year after they leave Alternative House. Fourteen years of outcome contacts indicates that an average of 95% of parents report the child is doing well.
Click here for a tour of our Alternative House. |
...crisis are opportunities for change |
Youth As Resources, a youth development project, began in 1998. Youth are invited to respond to their community’s needs.
Mini-grants are provided for youth generated and completed projects. Youth present their ideas to an advisory committee of youth and adults who determine the funding level.
Teen volunteers are currently being recruited for this fun and education experience.
Click here to begin the Youth As Resources journey. |
