CONTACT Cape-Atlantic was originally formed in 1973 as a telephone crisis helpline founded and operated by volunteers. To this day, almost 50 years later, we are proud to continue to be volunteer driven.

Many of our volunteers were older adults who were living alone. They were determined to stay in their homes and remain independent. CONTACT Cape-Atlantic began to ensure they could do so by checking in on them, connecting with their family members or emergency contacts and referring them to services they needed. It kept them safe at home for as long as possible, alleviated loneliness, created new relationships.

By 1987, the organization shifted entirely to providing telephone reassurance and community support for older adults, people with disabilities and those who are lonely, living alone, or feeling isolated from their community.

We focused more on the longer term connection of our clients and volunteers. We attracted volunteers who shared the belief that a conversation can reduce loneliness and isolation and ultimately save lives.

In July 2005 CONTACT Cape-Atlantic began the Gatekeeper Program in which we provide training to members of the community to take prompt action when an older adult needs help.

Today CONTACT Cape-Atlantic is home to 150 volunteers who make approximately 7,000 reassurance calls per month to an average of 200 clients per day.

We provide monthly calls to individuals using a personal emergency response system to ensure their system is working properly and follow up on any needs they may have. We educate community members about the needs of older adults and people with disabilities, creating a culture of safety in our communities.

We have a full-time executive director and a part-time reassurance coordinator.