National Runaway Safeline

AllieThis month we’re celebrating Allie as Volunteer of the Month! She always lights up the crisis services team with her boundless energy and passion for providing crisis intervention for youth in crisis.

Fun Fact (something people may not know already about you):

I came to Chicago for the improv and stayed for the Portillo’s chocolate cake. (But FORREAL check out the Real Housewives of Improv Fridays at the Playground Theater and on fb/iNsTa #plug)

How did you first become involved with NRS?

I was feeling pretty not great about the 2016 election and wanted to start actively putting good into the world. I found NRS and the dots connected!

What keeps you coming back?

I keep coming back for the camaraderie in the crisis services center that helps to give the tough days/calls some levity.

What have you learned from your experiences here?

I’ve learned that listening is one of the most important tools we humans have! And that it takes practice (what have these ears been doing this whole time?!).

Give us a story from your experience that stuck with you:

I was on the phone with a youth who called very upset. He had seen some adult toys in his parents’ closet and was overwhelmed. We talked for a while, discussed some coping mechanisms, and he just let out his feelings. At the end of the call, he said, “Ma’am, wherever in the world you are, just know that I love you.”

Open Mic Moment (this is your chance to say to all volunteers whatever you would like):

I don’t know what to say other than you are all beautiful humans and I’m in awe that y’all exist. I’m not southern, but I do stand by that y’all.

If you are in the Chicago area and interested in becoming a youth crisis services volunteer at NRS, sign up for an upcoming Volunteer Onboarding. Please e-mail Jamin Draves, Volunteer Coordinator, at JDraves@1800RUNAWAY.org with any questions.

Share This Post

Recent Posts

December 2023 Volunteer of the Month

It’s not often that a nonprofit organization is lucky enough to have long-term volunteers. Fortunately, the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) has been working with John P., our December 2023 Volunteer of the Month, for more than 12 years! John finds that volunteering provides a “meaningful connection with the human experience.” He recognizes something special in helping those in need and wonders why more people aren’t drawn to the fulfilling world of volunteering.

November 2023 Volunteer of the Month

Sam began on her journey with the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) at 16, much younger than the average age of volunteers. She learned about NRS’s volunteer program through her high school\’s list of after-school activities. This led her to sign-up for what she called an eye-opening 40-hour training that was so impactful that she still uses the training material to help guide her through difficult chats. Now, as a college student at Washington University in St. Louis, Sam continues to volunteer by talking to young people and concerned adults who reach out through NRS’s chat service.

Partner Spotlight – Advocates for Children

As Advocates for Children in northwest Georgia celebrates the organization’s 40th anniversary, the team takes pride in their countless accomplishments, including client success stories, new and expanded programs and the purchase and renovation of their new headquarters where all prevention, education and advocacy programs are now under one roof.   

Scroll to Top

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website. 

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings we’ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the NRS website.