Baltimore, MD, Feb. 14, 2023 – Pro Bono Counseling today announced it has launched a fundraiser during the month of February to support its mental health WARMLine. The goal of the fundraiser, entitled “Show Your LOVE for the WARMLine,” is to raise $25,000 to support this service.
“Last year, more than 1,600 calls were made to Pro Bono Counseling’s mental health WARMLine from individuals all over the state of Maryland,” explained Executive Director Amy Greensfelder. “Our goal is to raise enough funds to ensure that this vital service continues to be a resource for all Marylanders in need.”
Pro Bono Counseling’s WARMLine was established in 2020 to support Maryland residents who were experiencing mental health impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The WARMLine has since evolved and grown both in need and demand. It is not a substitute for crisis services or ongoing therapy, but it is a means of assistance for anyone who needs a supportive, listening ear. The WARMLine, staffed by trained mental health professionals, is an intermediate step to connecting Marylanders for therapy as necessary and can connect callers to crisis services. There is no commitment required, and callers may give as little or as much information as they feel comfortable sharing.
“Most of our callers are Marylanders who are sad, stressed, or just overwhelmed,” explains WARMLine Manager Elizabeth Stoner, LCSW-C. Whether the caller needs a short-term intervention, is interested in taking a first step towards therapy, or simply just needs someone to talk to, the WARMLine can be an invaluable resource. “Last year, we assisted callers ranging in age from 14 to 94, and we can respond to a true variety of issues,” says Elizabeth. Additionally, those under the age of 18 are not restricted from calling and do not need parental permission. “Anyone can call the WARMLine and receive resources,” she adds.
As one WARMLine caller stated, “I find the WARMLine support an invaluable necessity. The therapist on the line listens well, is empathetic, is knowledgeable, as well as humane. Most importantly, I come away feeling heard and seen.”
To make a gift to support Pro Bono Counseling’s WARMLine, please visit http://weblink.donorperfect.com/WARMLine
About Pro Bono Counseling
Pro Bono Counseling is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that links Marylanders experiencing difficulty accessing mental health care with volunteer licensed counselors and other resources. Since its founding in 1991, PBC has helped over 30,000 individuals and families throughout Maryland connect with volunteer counselors and obtain the mental health care they could not otherwise afford. Presently, Pro Bono Counseling has over 850 volunteer clinicians all over the state of Maryland who give over 10,000 hours of their time each year.
