By Julia Train
Social isolation significantly increases a person’s risk of premature death as much as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
CONTACT Cape-Atlantic started in 1973 as a 24-hour crisis hotline. However, in 1987, the nonprofit shifted to providing telephone reassurance for senior citizens, people with disabilities and those who are lonely.
“It sounds simple, but it’s so amazing. Some people don’t talk to anybody all day. [They’re] alone, no one to check on them. No family,” said Mary Jo Bernardo, CONTACT Cape-Atlantic’s executive director.
The nonprofit focuses on longer-term connections between its clients and volunteers, who share the belief that a conversation can reduce loneliness and isolation, saving lives.
On average, about 250 people in Atlantic and Cape May Counties are called once – or even multiple times for some – every day, even on holidays.
Sometimes a conversation can last 45 minutes and then other times it’s a few-minute call to check up because they just want somebody to know that they’re OK, according to Bernardo.
If someone doesn’t answer the phone, the volunteers follow a specific procedure. The caller waits a little bit and calls them back, but if they don’t get a hold of the client, then they call the hospital to see if they are there. If they’re not, then the volunteer calls their backup contacts.
“Talking to them is so rewarding and it’s such a blessing and they appreciate the calls so much,” said Bernardo.
Those who are interested in signing a loved one or theirself up can call, email or go to their website to fill out the application form. No medical history is needed to apply.
Although a low-cost service, funds are still needed to run the nonprofit, so it holds a handful of fundraisers throughout the year.
Right now, Bernardo’s team is getting ready for the 33rd Annual Spring Sensation, which will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 9 at the Atlantic City Country Club. The event will feature a cocktail hour and a dinner with a short program and a big auction.
As the fundraiser is quickly approaching, they’re still in need of donations for raffle items.
While tickets can still be purchased and sponsorship spots are still available, there will be more events hosted by CONTACT Cape-Atlantic in the near future.
Later in the year, the nonprofit will co-host “Seminar by the Shore,” which is a conference for people interested in learning about Alzheimer’s, with the Bratton Law Group in September and Designer Bag Bingo at Our Lady of Sorrows in November.
Interested in volunteering? They’re always looking for volunteers. Hours are flexible, with the ability to call from home or the Northfield call center.
Volunteers can complete a variety of tasks, like making calls to clients, office and clerical work, events planning and/or day-of support, and preparing newsletters for mailing and distributing CONTACT materials in the community.
Once approved, training is provided, and volunteers get a set schedule. Call (609) 823-1850 or apply on the website.
Julia is a student at Rider University, majoring in multiplatform journalism with a minor in social media strategies. At school, she writes and is news editor for The Rider News and is the News Director for the radio station, producing news updates. She’ll be graduating in the spring. Connect with her on Instagram @juliatrain
