P.O.Box 296 ~ Somers Point, NJ 08244 (609) 823-1850 ~ FAX (609) 823-1938
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	Our History
	CONTACT Cape-Atlantic was established in 1973. It began with a mission to establish the provision of confidential crisis intervention through active listening, information and referral services, available by telephone in Atlantic and Cape May counties. It is a non-profit, community service agency serving the elderly and disabled population in Atlantic and Cape May counties. CONTACT Cape-Atlantic is a part of the national organization, CONTACT USA (CUSA) CUSA is a network of crisis intervention and telephone centers across the nation. There is a network of phone centers in 20 states. This began in 1963, when Rev. Dr. Alan Walker, minister in the Methodist Church, Sydney, Australia founded Life Line. This was a telephone program that was accessible to callers 24 hours a day. In 1965, Rev. John Brand, a minister in Dallas, Texas began this helpline in the U.S. As the name Life Line was in use in Texas as a nationally broadcast radio program, CONTACT was chosen as the new name. When CONTACT Cape-Atlantic began back in 1973, it trained volunteers to be listening specialists. Their work on the crisis line helped individuals who were living with mental health issues, were lonely or suicidal. Referrals were also offered to other social service agencies. It was a service that was 24 hours a day. In June 2005, the crisis line was discontinued due to the difficulty in staffing the phone lines. There were many efforts to correct the problem and attempts to provide a quality service. These included shortening the training, adjusting the shift schedule and opening a second phone center. The service continued to struggle despite all of these efforts, and the board voted to discontinue this crisis line. Then in July 2005, the Gatekeeper Program was initiated. This program trains individuals who are out in neighborhoods on a daily basis, to keep an eye out for elderly persons who may be in need of help. They are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms that may indicate that an elderly person is at risk. An anonymous call can be made to our office and the needs of the individual will be assessed and a connection made with the appropriate social service agency. Many seniors are living alone and are not aware of the many services that are available for them. Gatekeepers help us help those who may be living an isolated life. Our intervention helps them to continue their independent living. Our Reassurance Program dates back to 1987. The daily calls provide a friendly hello and a check that all is well with the elderly or disabled client. Calls are made daily between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Our volunteers manage 60,000 calls each year.
	Our Mission
	CONTACT Cape-Atlantic provides telephone reassurance and community support for the elderly and disabled.