IMALIVE

Feeling very depressed. I've attempted to get onto this site numerous times - can never get on. If you're going to have a site for people who are depressed and suicidal, then you should have enough people to help. Worthless, yet they sure do ask for donations every time you're on the site. CLIENT NOT SERVED

I question whether these reviews are genuine as it is not what I experienced when using IMALIVE. There is not a single bad review on here…very odd. They claim that the volunteers are trained to deal with suicide prevention but I question this as well. I was talking to an advisor…Alex (they are all Alex yet expect to know your name..) and after explaining I wasn’t feeling good and going into detail of what I’ve experienced recently and listening to him repeat everything I said back to me (just in case I forgot what I said two seconds ago) I was then candidly asked about suicide so I was honest and said I’d tried many times in the past. I was then asked a second time, basically going into more detail but again I was honest. He then asked a third time! I was upset as he was basically asking how I would do it? How is that an appropriate question to someone who is feeling suicidal? And to ask three times…I said how inappropriate it was and in the end had to leave the chat. It’s all I’m thinking of now and it’s so dangerous volunteers are allowed to deal with something so important. I can’t phone people, I’ve always struggled but the nhs does nothing about this. All the professionals answer the phones there is no alternative except these and shout (who are also volunteers who don’t know how to communicate when you are in a bad place and take hours or days to reply). Only plus side is I’m so angry with the person I chatted too that I am no longer in tears about my issues but someone else who comes along it may be fatal to them if this is left unchecked. This review will be covered up like everything else to do with mental health but it’s made me feel better writing it down.

Having joined as a volunteer in 2015, IMAlive has changed my life for the better. Through the relationships I have gained here, my capacity for kindness towards myself, not just others, has grown. As a part of this team, I have had many opportunities for personal and professional growth but, more importantly, I have had the privilege of meeting so many caring, supportive people who continuously lift me up. Without IMAlive I would, undoubtedly, be a different person– and the world, undoubtedly, a smaller, lonelier place. With IMAlive, I am every day inspired by all the good and all the hope there still is in the world. Thank you for the work you all do and the kindness with which you seek to heal the world.

I started my volunteering journey with IMALIVE in 2021, being very unsure of my ability to make a change in people’s lives. IMALIVE has made me a better listener, more patient, working with such diversity with a sense of belonging. I know that with every shift, I helped create a safe space to those who need it.

I am now a supervisor with Imalive having started as a volunteer responder in October 2017. The joy I get from interacting with responders worldwide is beyond compare. Watching them interact and help move people to a better place is pure beauty. I have volunteered with many organizations, and this is the best. Those involved give their time, energy, and willingness to be there for those in need. They are by far the finest people I know.

IMAlive is the most beautifully run nonprofit I've had the opportunity to work with. As a volunteer of around 4 years, I can say that everybody involved with the organization is dutifully invested in helping individuals undergoing crises of all kinds. Volunteers stay with IMAlive for a long time, which largely accounts for the feeling that we are a family fighting for an important cause. No matter what is going on in my life, no matter how terrible a week I've had, knowing that I've spent a slice of that week lending an ear to my fellow humans is enough to convince me that I'm doing alright. Moreover, IMAlive is a unique chatroom platform wherein the volunteers are trained and certified in crisis intervention. We serve vulnerable populations for which talking on the phone could be dangerous, and traditional forms of treatment and support are unattainable. Overall, it is indescribably rewarding to be part of something greater than yourself, where your value is measured only by how much you care about helping those in need.

I'm still going strong and still looking forward to every shift after so many years of responding to crisis chats. That is saying something on it's own. Motivated & wonderful crew with a passion for saving lives. They are giving so much care to our well being. It is a beautiful thing to be able to change a persons thoughts or feelings by finding the tiniest details that matter in one's life.

IMAlive is the best organization I have ever volunteered with. Everyone is very genuine, helpful, and understanding which has made it such a great experience volunteering here. I have learned so much and continue to grow as a kinder more understanding person through IMAlive.

I have been volunteering with IMAlive for over 7 years, and I have seen time and time again its volunteers connect with people in crisis and help them find a better, more hopeful path towards healing and recovery.

Volunteering with IMAlive has given me more perspective and empathy than anything else could. It provides an unparalleled service and connection, for both the volunteers and visitors - so often, both sides leave a chat feeling better for it. The difference IMAlive makes in the lives of its users is so obvious in the kind words they share, and I'm so grateful to be a part of it.

It’s been almost 5 years since I’ve started and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a rewarding and unparalleled experience that will touch your heart, one way or another.

Volunteering with IMAlive is one of the best decisions I've ever made. The supervisors are there every step of the way to provide support, encouragement, and advice. There is no better feeling than walking away from a chat, knowing that the person feels safer and calmer that when they first logged on. Personally, I've grown to be stronger and more empathetic through my interactions with chatters and the IMAlive team.

I will have been volunteering with IMAlive/KBHC for 4 years as of Nov 1. During that time, I've grown from Crisis Responder to Shift Supervisor and in that role have been able to support others in developing their skills to help those in crisis. Volunteering with this organization continues to be one of the most rewarding and humbling experiences of my life; everyone involved - while as unique and diverse in their beliefs and backgrounds as the people in crisis we chat with - are an incredible group of empathetic humans with the common goal of crisis intervention and suicide prevention. It's not always easy to do what we do (well, it's hardly ever easy - nothing worth doing is, eh?), and sometimes in life we struggle ourselves, but the IMAlive team is always there to lift you up. None of us is alone. I am deeply grateful to be a part of this organization.

As a volunteer I really felt like I was helping others. The pre-volunteer training was thorough and I learned a lot, and I was especially impressed with continuous trainings throughout my time as a volunteer. Everyone I interacted with was kind and helpful. Truly an amazing experience.

Been a volunteer with IMALIVE for a few years now and continue to be impressed with the quality of work from all - from the supervisors to the admin and all between. A great place to work!

IMAlive is a fantastic organization dedicated to selflessly helping others in crisis. I've been a volunteer for 2+ years, and although I never feel that I'm doing that great of a job helping the people that I chat with, I come back every week to try to improve my active listening skills, hoping to make some sort of a positive difference. The supervisors are a different breed of people; they are all super awesome, empathetic, and always ready to offer help and stellar advice when necessary. In today's unsettling climate, IMAlive is a necessary online platform, offering hope to those who desperately need it.

Volunteering with IMAlive has been such a great experience as I have learned a lot on how to help others. Everyone I have worked with at this organization has been so kind and helpful and I appreciate all they have done and continue to do.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive now for about a year and have found it incredibly rewarding! It is difficult, challenging, and very rewarding work all at once! I started volunteering as a way to build my graduate school applications, but have found it so engaging and have learned so much that I plan on continuing to volunteer for the foreseeable future. The leadership team is incredibly supportive and very focused on helping you learn how to better help those in crisis. Since it is 100% online, the schedule is completely flexible. I'm very grateful for the opportunity and all of the support that everyone at IMAlive has given me!

I'm a recently certified volunteer at IMAlive live chat and I have to say I'm extremely impressed with how thorough the training was. It really helped you gain your confidence as a responder and then transitioning into live chats has been a smooth process. The supervisors that are there really want to make sure you feel comfortable and check in during your live shifts quite often. I feel the atmosphere, while dealing with difficult events, is still a place of positivity as we are all there to help others.

I am a new volunteer with the IMalive crisis chat line. I have been very impressed by the extensive and very focused training I received and also by the amazing staff of supervisors and coordinators at IMalive. Our work can be emotionally challenging and the people we serve are often in a lot of pain, but the IMalive coordinators and supervisors have been able to foster a tremendous culture of positivity, support and empathy for both the IMalive volunteers and the people we serve. IMalive is truly a great nonprofit and worthy of your support!

I've been a volunteer with Kristin Brooks Hope Center working at the IMAlive chat line for more than 5 years, not only have I been able to help thousands of people, the IMAlive Supervisors have been supportive of my journey through college and into grad school pursuing a career in the good work Kristin Brooks Hope Center offers free of charge world wide every day.

This is a wonderful organization to work with as they do a great job training their volunteers and making them feel valued. They do great work helping those suffering from depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and metal illness who are in crisis.

The education and constant support is splendid. It is a challenging job, but so giving. As a volunteer I never feel alone in the challenges and I learn new things everyday.

KBHC is an incredible organization that saves lives every day. My time with this nonprofit was and continues to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love being able to help others from the comfort of my home. I am so incredibly blessed to be part of this organization ������������������

I’ve been volunteering for IMAlive for 7 months now and it’s been quite a journey. I’ve learned so much about ways to support people that are struggling, but also about myself, my own ways of coping and my own strengths. The IMAlive team has welcomed me like a family and I never feel anything but supported and empowered by the amazing team of supervisors, leadership and volunteers. I’m looking forward to many more challenges, opportunities to learn and grow and these little moments of joy and pride that I feel whenever I get to accompany a person in crisis on their way of getting help and healing. Thank you, IMAlive. Though our goal is to change other people’s lives for the better, I feel like my life has been changed for the better on my journey as a volunteer as well!

I have been on IMAlive as a volunteer for a while now and cannot even begin to describe the experience. I have become part of a community who not only empowered me to help others but that empowers the people who seek us out to take control of their own lives. It’s not just a crisis line. It is a place where people can come to be heard as well as to learn to treat themselves more tenderly.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for over 2 years and it's been an amazing experience and so rewarding. I love the flexibility and being able to make a difference. Talking to people from all over the world and getting to know the amazing team that sits behind it all is one of the highlights.

I've been a volunteer since late November and I can honestly say it's been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Yes there's good chats, there's bad chats, there's easy and difficult, but no matter what, when a shift ends I come out of it knowing something I didn't know before.
Everyone, from volunteers to supervisors, have made this organization function well, while making sure you always know that this family got your back.
I'm also forever grateful to Random Acts for sponsoring my training.
I'm growing every day, I'm learning every day and I'd like to think I'm becoming a better human too.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for about a year. I have had some great calls, some very sad calls and some very challenging calls but have always enjoyed the support of the supervisor and been allowed time to process my own thoughts afterwards. I enjoy the feeling of calm that I get when I shut myself away from the rest of the world for two hours blocks to just listen to someone else and try to help. It has been a humbling process and made me more grateful for the simple things in life. I've learnt to communicate in a different way and realized the impact of every word written.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for over 12 months and it has been very rewarding. The training I went through for IMAlive was more comprehensive than many of the subjects I completed during my Psychology studies at University. I feel that I am a much better communicator, both when working for IMAlive and in my personal life. They provide caring and constructive support for those in crisis and for their staff. 10/10 organisation!

I've been a volunteer with this nonprofit for nearly two months, and I have learned so much already in this short period of time. Everything that IMAlive stands for is truly shown through the supervisors and volunteers- everyone is very passionate about helping others. IMAlive allows me to help others through some of the most difficult times of their lives; situations and feelings that I've gone through and felt. I've had two people very close to me attempt suicide, and one family member die by suicide. It's a very real thing, and IMAlive allows those who may be feeling hopeless to rediscover the resilience they hold within themselves. My life has been forever changed for the better since I've been involved.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for almost a full year now. I'm very proud to be a part of such a wonderful team of caring and well trained volunteers that can help and empower people through hard times. It's been a life changing experience that made me more aware and changed the way I saw myself and others.

This is the best, most caring group of people I've ever had the pleasure to work with. They truly care about people. I've learned more about people, about myself since working with them. Best group ever!

None of the supervisors here are ever on the same page with direction in chats and the leadership is all over the place. It’s hard to get anything organized here. It’s a good thing they’re doing, but there a few individuals in this organization that shouldn’t be a part of it due to their motives and attitudes.

I have volunteered with IMAlive for almost a year now. This is a solid organization that provides training and holds volunteers accountable to maintain our training and meet shift requirements per month. I feel like I am really helping people through an org that SAVES LIVES.

Volunteering for IMAlive has changed how I see people & perhaps more importantly how I hear people. It has taught me to stop & focus on what someone is trying to say & not just give them half my attention. It’s amazing how different our perceptions can be when we leave our judgements at the door really listen. IMAlive has taught me so much, it’s an incredible organisation full of wonderful people who really care.

Working with IMAlive has changed my life. Not only am I a part of an amazing organisation with wonderful supervisors and an incredible sense of community, I also recieved outstanding training allowing me to help other people who felt they had no where else to turn. Being someones faceless ear helps me feel like I am being the change I want to see in the world. IMAlive is not just helping people on the front lines of mental health, depression, anxiety etc, it is helping to end the stigma of suicide, of speaking of how we feel and letting people know its ok not to be ok. I am so proud to be a part of that.

Caring volunteers who put in the time and effort to listen and create a plan

IMAlive is a fantastic organisation filled fantastic volounteers.

I never expected the impact that volunteering at IMAlive would have on my every day life. But it has. Every day. I'm more grateful, more content, I communicate more open. And I get to help people in need, people in crisis. I get to be there for those who feel lonely, abandoned, worthless. I get to be the one who listens to their struggles, their fears, their traumas but also their dreams for a better life. I meet fighters, every week, who battle their inner demons. Who battle thoughts of suicide. And I'm so proud. Of them for seeking help. And of us, for being able to provide it. Volunteering at IMAlive was the best decision I ever made.

IMAlive has made me a better person. It's amazing how many people I've connected with for better and for worse and has changed me. I've found a family here, it's allowed to shine and hone my strengths and I'm able to give back a hundred fold. It's done wonders for my own mental health as well as the relationships I've built through it, because of it, with it. I've never loved life more and it does amazing things for anyone and everyone it reaches.

Volunteering with IMAlive has been one of the best decisions I've made. Through volunteering I found a sense of purpose being able to use skills i've learned to guide others through whatever hurt they are going through. It's taught me about the power of listening, understanding and love for all people. These are skills that have gone into my professional and personal life as well. I plan to continue volunteering as long as they will have me, but even when I stop I know its an experience that I can look back on as something that has changed me for the better.

I've been volunteering with this nonprofit for about 4 years now, and it has been a very rewarding experience. This nonprofit has allowed me to talk to others who are currently depressed or experiencing suicidal thoughts--feelings that were once familiar to me. To be able to speak to others who are experiencing similar feelings that I once felt not only helps me to realize that we all face trauma in some way, but also to serve as a reminder that we all can be resilient and overcome our battles.

I have joined IMAlive just a few months. I love IMAlive's vision and mission and the support for its volunteers. I love that the training is professional and vigorous which is very valuable and important in the non-profit section. I really like the people there, they are all enthusiastic, warm and kind.

Brilliant nonprofit which is dedicated to training volunteers to support others struggling through mental crisis

I just finished up my training, but going through it, I met so many beautiful people. These people have changed my life in ways that they don't even know. They have helped me develop, see things from new perspectives, and open my eyes to things in life in which I may not have even thought of before. The people I have trained with are so knowledgeable and I know they make HUGE impacts in people's lives. Thank you guys so much for what you have done for me, I look forward to working with all of you

I am a newer volunteer with KBHC (through IMAlive/Random Acts) and am so happy to be on board. I was very impressed by the detailed training that was provided and the direct supervisor feedback and felt like I was given the tools I need to succeed and help those in need. This community of volunteers and supervisors are very supportive, helpful and provide a critical service for those in crisis. I am proud to be a part of this group!

I've had some close calls with friends contemplating suicide in the past, and I'd heard about IMAlive and how much people seem to have been helped by reaching out to them. When the opportunity presented itself through Random Acts to volunteer, I did. The training was very thorough and the supervisors were knowledgeable, friendly, and encouraging. They are always willing to talk to you, answer questions, and help you work through anything. I became certified over a month ago and now actively serve on Crisis Chats. The service is very client-oriented and the shift supervisors are fantastic and helpful. Even though it may not be much (scheduling shifts around a full-time job is a challenge), I am inspired to help as often as I can in the hopes of making some small difference to someone who needs it.

I'm a relatively new volunteer with IMAlive, and I have to say I'm incredibly impressed with this organization. My training was thorough and professional while still being very encouraging, and I feel that it definitely prepared me to begin helping people in crisis.

I'm truly grateful to have the oppprtunity to help others, and be part of such a wonderful group of people.

I've been a crisis responder with IMAlive via the Kristin Brooks Hope Center and Random Acts for a little over a year now, and being able to help others in this way has changed my life and my outlook in the best ways. The IMAlive supervisors and other responders are an incredibly warm, loving, caring, and fun group of people, and now I can't imagine my life without being a part of this dedicated and selfless group.

I have just completed 50 hours as a crisis responder and I have enjoyed every second of working with this great organization. I look forward to many more hours. I work with the most amazing supervisors and I have learned so much. I am a child protection social worker and have been for almost 20 years and I still learn new ways to work with people and just be there to listen and IMAlive has taught me that.

I have only just completed my training to become a crisis intervention volunteer but was deeply impressed by the thoroughness and quality of the training I received. The supervisors and instructors were professional, supportive and compassionate. I very much look forward to volunteering for this wonderful organization for a long time to come.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for a few months and I am already head-over heals in love with this organization. From the training to the staff, every part of my involvement has been wonderful. People are afraid to talk, IMAlive helps them find their voice and empowers people. Few things are greater than helping someone realize their true strength and potential. I could not have picked a better organization to volunteer for, hands down.

I have been volunteering with IMAlive for almost a year, and it has been a great year. Every supervisor and volunteer is so kind and understanding. And the feeling you get when you know you have helped somebody who was hurting is indescribable. It warms my heart to know that the IMAlive family is growing stronger and larger every day. The more there are, the more we can help.

I have been volunteering with KBHC for 10 months now and it has been life changing. The trainers, supervisors and volunteers are all amazing and supportive. We work as a team to help in any way needed and you know that a difference has been made every shift that you volunteer. I will volunteer here as long as they will have me.

SAHM here and I really became aware of the lack of resources to help those in crisis (particularly the 'tweens) when my child was in crisis. Fortunately, the opportunity to volunteer with this group came along and I am now feeling better and more informed about how to help and what to do when my child needs help. The people I volunteer with are amazing and really are dedicated to helping those who need it, when they need it most.

I began volunteering with IMALive about six months ago and I'm now approaching 100 hours. I'm so glad I applied to do this through Random Acts sponsorship. The supervisors and other volunteers are so supportive and they have helped me every step of the way. The work is challenging, but it's so rewarding to know that you've made a difference, one person at a time. I hope to continue volunteering for many years to come. IMALive is a wonderful organisation.

I became a volunteer with KBHC a year ago and it has been a life-changing experience. I have grown so much as a person and even discovered my passion for mental health counseling - which I am now pursuing as a career. I’ve had the opportunity to see the monumental difference that this organization makes in the lives of so many people around the world; it deserves every opportunity to grow and continue to create positive change in the world. Everyone who works with this organization works tirelessly and selflessly to make sure there are resources available for those in need.

The trainers and supervisors here lead with kindness, humor, and a sincerity that's felt even in text. Volunteers are provided with much more training and personal guidance than I expected when I signed up. Not to sound too cheesy but so far volunteering here has been an inspiring experience. I'm looking forward to much more to come!

I have been volunteering with this organization for almost a year. The other volunteers and supervisors are so supportive and dedicated to what they do. I am very proud to be part of it.

Wonderful organization full of dedicated, kind, effective people.

This organization has changed my life. The work that is done here is incredible and I feel so honored to be able to be a part of it.
Thinking that even if just one person is helped makes all the work worth while.

I started volunteering with KBHC and IMAlive last June (2016) and haven't looked back. This experience has not only taught me a lot about others but also myself. I sincerely wish my teenage self had access to a resource like IMAlive; it would have helped me work through tough emotions that I ended up having to navigate alone.

Furthermore, the community of volunteers has become family to me, even though I haven't met them in person yet! :) I look forward to continuing to grow as a crisis intervention specialist and as a person in general.

I heard about the great work that IMAlive does for people who are in crisis, so I decided to check it out and volunteer. It has been an amazing experience. I love every minute that I spent volunteering and look forward to volunteering many more years. The staff are amazing and very supportive. I'm impressed with some staff who are 'consumer survivors', as they have a vast knowledge and experience.
I would definitely recommend anyone in crisis to come to IMAlive for help.

I have been volunteering with this organization for the past year. The training I received had me feeling more than ready to take on the intimidating task having honest and productive conversations about suicide with suicidal individuals. The volunteers and supervisors are all extremely passionate and caring people, and the focus of healing is always on the person in crisis rather than on ourselves as responders, which is great as the chatter leaves feeling empowered and not dependent on any one person but themselves for that feeling.

I just started volunteering for ImAlive and I love it. Im a stay-at-home mom and I hold a lot of guilt for not working (I know I shouldn't, but I do) this organization has given me more purpose and it makes me feel good helping others. Their training program is wonderful and the supervisors are with you every step of the way, even after your training.

I've been volunteering for the Crisis Chat for over 140 hours now, and it's awesome: always learning something new, working with amazing people, and maybe best of all, being able to do good, by helping people discover how they can help themselves, or by just being there and listening.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for a couple of months now and I've experienced such amazing people who are trying to make differences in the lives of people in crisis. When I first got word that I'd been approved to be a crisis responder, I was worried I'd not be able to do the work that I would be doing. However, with the extensive training I received and supervisors that work along side me, I feel that I'm in very safe hands to help others.

Behind the scenes, there is a network of support for all the volunteers. Every person I've encountered, from the director to trainees, is dedicated and caring and so very kind. I knew it was a great group before I started, but being in the mix, IMAlive has shown me a new level of compassion and support that I was unaware existed.

I've done volunteer work before but, the commitment to helping people that IMAlive has has just been incredible and I'm very proud to volunteer with them.

Volunteering with IMAlive has been an incredibly fulfilling experience, that has made me a more empathetic person, both while chatting and in other areas of my life. It is amazing to interact with others and empower those in crisis during their worst moments. It has also connected me to a whole new group of friends who are funny, supportive and full of inspiration.

I started to volunteer with ImAlive a few months ago. I thought that I would just listen to some stories and give some advice and that would be the end of it. I was wrong. This organization offers so much more than just advice. ImAlive offers hope and understanding which can be hard to come by these days. The volunteers and supervisors are some of the most empathetic people I have had the pleasure of working with. I am thankful that ImAlive is a viable resource for people in crisis.

I have had the honor of volunteering with this organization for a few years now and am consistently amazed by the dedication to support individuals in crisis.

IMAlive has been one of the most wonderful volunteer experiences I have ever had. This organization truly makes a difference for so many people, and I am so proud and grateful to be a part of that mission. The volunteers and supervisors are the kindest and most supportive group of people who truly care about others.

A volunteering experience that is hard to ever forget because the numerous skills you learn and can use every where. Everyone that works here is so supportive of each other and so empathetic. The finest souls who gulp pain and help others not taste it.

Incredibly supportive staff, that are always encouraging and helping you build your skills and confidence! They are compassionate towards and passionate about the people they offer help to.

IMAlive is a great organization with volunteers who understand. This is a family of empaths who know what it's like to be depressed, suicidal, or live with chronic pain, and they know the struggles are real.
For me IMAlive is that beacon of light at the end of that dark tunnel that many have faced. We are here to let you know that you are not alone and that there is hope.

I first learned about IMAlive through Misha Collins from Supernatural in Feb 2016. I started doing some research and wanted to help. So i registered my interest in becoming a volunteer.
It took a few months but I am now certified. Since starting with IMAlive I've learnt so much and the people that do volunteering really care about those they speak to. People don't choose to give up their free time (free of charge) unless they genuinely care. These people are simply amazing and really enjoy helping others.
IMAlive helps people every single day. IMAlive will continue to do so.
Thankyou IMAlive, I have learnt so much already and can't wait to continue to grow with you all.

IMAlive is a much needed, valuable and an incredible organisation! Volunteering with IMAlive has given me an opportunity to grow and develop new, extremely useful skills. Being apart of IMAlive means that I am constantly surrounded by caring, helpful and supportive people all with the same goal, to help those in crisis.

I am so grateful for the opportunity that IMAlive gives me to help others in need. Together we are able to save lives every single day, what greater purpose could a nonprofit have?

This is a wonderful organization dedicated to helping those in crisis.

I started volunteering here to just take a few calls and try to buy people as much time as I could but thanks to the intensive training and great community support I feel like I'm making a real difference and helping to save real lives.

I love volunteering for I'malive! It's an amazing organization that helps people everyday! It's been a pleasure working with the staff. I will continue to volunteer there as long as I can. Helping people in crisis has been a true blessing in my life!

This organization is unbelievably valuable. Not only is the training thorough, the supervisors are incredibly helpful with any struggles the volunteers might have. The chatline is high quality and the concept is great. I feel like in the digital age, it's important to have a way for people to connect via the internet with help. It's also important for people who maybe can't be overheard on a hotline for safety reasons in their home. The community surrounding this charity is the best I've had the privilege of being a part of and I'm proud every day to be a part of it.

IMAlive helps people everyday to get through their crisis and find ways to help themselves and move towards a better, more positive future. Volunteering for IMAlive has helped me cope with the losses of people that I loved and cared about, and helped to make me feel like I'm making a difference. Many times I will be chatting with someone in crisis and they thank me for just listening to their problems. IMAlive is a place that people can go to be heard.

Reese Butler has persisted over the years in developing the first virtual chat crisis line with trained, certified volunteers. He is an innovator and led this country in establishing the need for crisis line networks within a National Suicide Prevention Plan. The Kristin Brooks Hope Center goes to colleges conducting on-site educational sessions for suicide prevention. A new initiative is underway to open the first Transition Assistance Center for homeless women Veterans in Queen Anne County, MD. In short, the KBHC and IMALIVE Chat Line is a model for persistence in saving lives.

This is one of the best organizations that is around! Besides that fact that it provides a service to people in crisis as well as promoting the destigmatization of mental illness, the supervisors and staff who are apart of this organization are the most caring, driven, and helpful people I have come across. As my time as a volunteer, I never once felt alone or unable to receive the help I needed from my supervisors, even during times when I was in the middle of really difficult chats. They were always there for me. It really says a lot about origanization when not only does the it does good work but the people who work for it also do good work.

I've been volunteering with IMAlive for 6 months now, and can honestly say being a part of this organization has changed my life so much for the better. The training is very thorough, and left me well prepared to start having conversations with people in crisis, and the supervisors are there every step of the way. I believe that being able to speak to an empathic listener in a time of crisis is so important, and IMAlive makes this possible in a very convenient and personal way by connecting two individuals over the internet. It is a great, very caring community to be a part of.

Kristin Brooks Hope Center has amazing innovative suicide prevention programs that are made possible by the daily efforts of caring volunteers. Devoting my time to helping suicidal people through IMALIVE.org has given me a purpose in life, and a deeper level of empathy towards people struggling with depression, anxiety, self harm, bipolar disorder, etc. I can conveniently volunteer at different times each week, and I know I'm making a difference at the end of each conversation. Thank you, KBHC, for giving me and others this virtual volunteering opportunity!

I am an IMALIVE volunteer for almost a year now. Suicide has touched my life and the lives of so many others around me. Chatting with individuals on line can be challenging and rewarding. I have learned to put all judgments aside and have found at the end of conversations with those that reach out, there are so many people, both old and young who are desperate for help and not sure where to reach out to get it. This line provides an outlet in a safe environment to talk about feelings they are not sure they should share with anyone else.

I have been a volunteer for IMAlive for almost one year now. My experience has been very positive, due to the flexibility in scheduling and the support I have received from my supervisors. Scheduling shifts is simple because IMAlive strives for 24/7 coverage. This means that you can volunteer any time that fits into your schedule. Not only that, you can volunteer from home in your pajamas if you want to!
IMAlive provides intensive online training that results in every volunteer being certified in crisis intervention. Through the training and role plays with supervisors, anyone can feel confident in their skills as a crisis intervention specialist, whether they have previous experience in the mental health field or not. I have felt supported by the supervisors who are always available for assistance if you ever do run into a situation in which you feel uncomfortable. I feel like my skills are always improving as a result.
Overall, volunteering through IMAlive has been a great way to make me feel like I am giving back and fulfilling my purpose in helping others. I would recommend it to other people looking for a meaningful way to get involved.

Imalive is a terrific resource for people in crisis. It's a place they can go, for free, no appointment necessary, and get the help they need. I recently joined Imalive as a volunteer. The training program was great and I am beginning to take shifts. Supervisors are available to help whenever I need them.

Through my volunteer experience I've come to meet people that (though cliche) really care. They put in so much work, stay up late, wake up early, volunteer their time to train others, all to help people during a crisis. This experience is not for the weak. Every single person doing this is making a difference and I don't think I can even put in words how amazing, surreal and rewarding this journey has been.

I am a volunteer for IMAlive online crisis center. I am very proud of the service they provide for people that need someone to listen to their fears, concerns, hopes. We all have our own stories that make each of us ready to be there when another individual is struggling and feel like they have no where to go.
My son was the person that told me about IMAlive, he turned to them when he was in high school, he was suicidal, he attempted to take his life, he had lost hope. He is now a 21 year old, working hard to figure it all out. He is alive.

I've spent over 300 hours volunteering with IMAlive now, and it has always been an incredible (and sometimes tough!) experience. The supervisors are always supportive and there to step in if needed, but also make sure to invest in your skills so that your own confidence and ability to help others grows. I love the virtual crisis center model, it has made it so that I can continue to keep volunteering and helping others, even after moving across the country.

Volunteering with IMAlive has been very enriching and rewarding. I've learnt a great deal about crisis intervention and listening skills from my supervisors, who have been very generous with their time and feedback. There's always a supervisor on call, which means volunteers never have to feel alone or overwhelmed since help is just an IM away. Plus, the great thing about IMAlive is that the hours and location are flexible, due to its online medium. Thus, my ability to commit and sign up for shifts on a regular basis is enhanced. All in all, I am grateful towards my knowledgeable supervisors and to IMAlive in general for enabling me to help others.

When I was in university, the girls on my floor helped to make a booth about Suicide Prevention at our school freshman year. Through that experience, we learned about the Kristin Brooks Hope Center and recommended it to people who might be suffering. Working now as a volunteer is a really interesting perspective. It's shown me what it really is to be an active listener and is teaching me a lot about how to treat other people (something I thought I'd already figured out!). I only have about 50 hours so far, but I have no intention of stopping. There's just so much more to learn!

Volunteering with IMAlive has been a humbling experience. It is a community of support and I am grateful to be a part of it. (And the supervisors I get to interact with are incredibly knowledgeable!)

As a volunteer of IMAlive, I absolutely love listening to other people in need. I just started volunteering this past March and I am already past 100 community service hours. It's been extremely rewarding. You would think that the only person getting something out of the chat is the person in crisis, but as the volunteer, I've learned a lot about myself. The people I talk to reassure me that everyone feels the same emotions. I just love knowing that I've helped someone change heir life. I've gotten feedback from the people I've helped days later, saying how they're doing much better and how they're so happy they found me. A few weeks ago after ending a chat, the person in crisis told me that she had been in contact with 3 different crisis hotlines that day and that I, by far, was the best. That completely makes my day! I love IMAlive.

I just hit 100 volunteer hours recently. It has been a great experience working with IMAlive. I've learned how to really listen to someone and read between the lines to see the feelings they are having. The supervisors are really positive and friendly and are there to help you get through a difficult call or help put something into the right words.

I began with IMAlive in 2011 and nothing can be more rewarding than helping people in crisis. Hearing their words and helping them find options by being that ear they needed. Plus I am able to train and volunteer from home at the hours that work best for me. Learning with each chat that is taken makes volunteering so rewarding.

I started volunteering with IMALIVE just this year, and the experience has far exceeded my expectations.

Nothing is more rewarding than helping someone find their way.

The training and staff are both very hands on (as it needs to be!), and I couldn't ask for a better or more supportive team to be working with.

I started volunteering with ImAlive in 2011 and I have been loving it ever since. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, talking to people in crisis? Would I be able to help?!
The answer is yes! I can help and so can so many other people.
Its rare that an organization makes you feel so empowered, so knowledgeable and so supported and ImAlive does that everyday! I love my time volunteering. I love the team, I love the support and I love the fact that I can feel like I am making a real difference in people's lives.

I have been volunteering with IMAlive since 2012. This is a great organization dedicated to helping those in crisis who feel they have nowhere else to turn. The supervisors provide thorough training in the fundamentals of crisis intervention, and volunteers are certified before they start interacting with users of the site. My time working with this organization has been very fulfilling.

I've volunteered with the Hopeline for 4 years. I came to the Hopeline to help others, but also to prove to myself that my anxiety wouldn't prevent me from helping others in ways that were meaningful to me. The organization's staff supported my drive and taught me how best to help those in need. 4 years later, I'm a social worker happy with my career path; the Hopeline helped me as much as it continues to help persons in crisis across the world. The organization's commitment to a better world is unmatched.

I've been friends with the widower of Kristin Brooks for over 5 years. He and his lovely wife and family have been so committed to the cause I had to become a part of it when they opened the Hope Center a year ago. I'll never forget the opening day with the First Lady to the Governor of Maryland, Katie O'Malley, and Creative Genius (and if I remember correctly- long time volunteer, himself), Frank Warren, creator of weekly blog PostSecret.com were there for the opening ceremony. I popped in for 5 minutes while my 3 kids slept in the car (with their father, no breaking child safely laws here lately)- took a mental snap shot- stole an horsdouvre and bolted. And every week or two I have been able to take calls with the free training I received. It feels so good to give back to the Community and hear people's stories when they call in. A volunteer shift of 3 hours usually gets me conversing with 4-5 people in crisis- and I try to hear them out and just be a support. I'm thankful for the service I've been able to make and really hope I was able to offer them some Hope with a capitol H. This is a great place to serve- we make our own hours- the management is kind and hard working- the building is fresh and new- and snacks are often provided. Love it!

I have struggled with anxiety disorders for most of my life and volunteering at the hope center has not only allowed me to help others but to help myself, I am so thankful for the opportunity to be apart of something so wonderful. The hope center will hold a special place in my heart forever.

My work with the Executive Director of the Hope Center has been nothing short of amazing. We have been on a long journey together to change the stigma of mental illness and help provide services to those in need. I've seen KBHC continually rise above challenges and deliver services in the best interest of the mental health consumer. I've seen the organization take difficult stances in regards to funding because it was the right thing to do - not because it was the most financially beneficial. You can be assured this organization is always making sacrifices and doing work on the behalf of those with any type of brain disease.

I helped KBHC implement a nationwide 1-800 call management and distribution system. The project required the integration of hardware and software into AT&T co-location facilities, call distribution centers and hundreds of volunteer organizations willing to help out their neighbors in distress. Reese provided the vision and drive to make an easily accessible suicide counseling network. He tirelessly worked with all levels of government and industry to move the vision forward.

One night I called the hopeline hoping for alternative release than hanging myself. I talked to a lady and she told me I was a good person and I needed to believe in myself. Six years later, I'm still here.

I few years ago I found myself in a very deep and dangerous depression. At the lowest part I felt like I couldn’t even make it through the night, that’s when I called the Hopeline. I talked with someone there for a few hours and I truly feel they saved my life. Not only did they help me in that moment of crisis but the Volunteer give me the information I needed to seek and receive longer care for my depression. Since that night I have talked openly about my depression and have heard from many others like me who feel they have been saved by the Hopeline being there in their time of need. The Hopeline is a safe and caring place for someone to seek refuge from the dark hell of depression and suicide. I’m not sure if one could ever truly count the number of lives Hopeline affects in such a positive way. Thank you

I found this hotline to be helpful not only when I was feeling suicidal myself, but when a friend of mine had committed suicide and I called to just process my feelings and all about it, the person on the phone was equally supportive and kind. We need more compassionate organizations that help those who feel there's no hope find hope--or just know that someone cares.

We lost my son's girlfriend a year ago to suicide - she was 24 years old. Since then, as part of our healing, I have sought sources that are helping spread the message of hope for suicidial people and those who suffer from mental illness such as depression and bipolar disorder. I dicovered the Kristin Brooks Hope Center as part of the Pick Up the Phone Campaign that the Center is running with another organization, To Write Love on Her Arms. The Center is doing outstanding work and is seeking to provide nationwide service, 24/7 but needs additional funding. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in kids 14-24. Please help us save our youth!

I started volunteering for 1-800-SUICIDE after hearing about it on PostSecret and being inspired by what the organization was doing for other people. Volunteering opened my eyes to what a need there is for this service. So many people just need an ear. Something as simple as just listening to someone can really save a life. I have had so many callers who, at the end, say to me, "Thanks. I don't want to kill myself anymore. I think I just needed to get this out." A service so small and so simple to avoid so much grief, agony, regret, and anger and potentially other suicides as well. Before KBHC, there was no suicide crisis line. Now, everyone knows they can call 1-800-SUICIDE for help. KBHC has also done a phenomenal job about educating people about mental health, an aspect of humanity often disregarded or overlooked. With the launch of the new Alive! Mental Health Fair for colleges, KBHC is working against that stigma and recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.

Hopeline helped me out when I had nowhere else to turn. The lady who answered the phone gave me advice that I still remember to this day. She saved my life. I send my infinite thanks to Hopeline. I support them fully. =]