History

In August 30, 1970

HopeLine incorporates following recognition by community members of the need for a confidential hotline that could provide listening and support during difficult times. 

September 1970

Mildred Fish takes HopeLine’s first call from donated space in a private home after being 1 of 100 original volunteers trained by local mental health professionals.

1976

HopeLine moves into commercial office space.

July 1982

The job of Executive Director of HopeLine becomes a full-time position.

1985

HopeLine and Wake county PTA to create PhoneFriend for elementary school children. The line is staffed by adults and teens from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and teacher workdays.

1985-1995

HopeLine serves as a training resource and backup for Drug Action and Rape Crisis, now known as SouthLight and Interact.

1993

HopeLine creates Teen TalkLine, a line dedicated to teen issues. Teen volunteers answered the phone 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays and teacher workdays.

1995

HopeLine celebrates 25 years of service by hosting an anniversary party for former and current board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters. The evenings highlight was the unveiling of a video about HopeLine called “Reflections Hope” featuring community leaders, including then governor, James B. Hunt.

1996

HopeLine undertakes an ambitious project called the Wall of Hope. Ten artists complete a mural honoring people in service professions, including HopeLine. The mural is located on the side of the Mission Valley Cinema.

2000

After Contact Durham ceases operations, HopeLine assumes responsibility for calling elderly residents in Durham.  This undertaking is the beginning of the current Reassurance Program. 

2000

HopeLine contracts with Triangle United Way and helps provide coverage for its information and referral line known as 2-1-1.

2002

HopeLine begins offering translation services to non-English speaking callers via a live translation service.

2003

Senator Hillary Clinton introduces legislation into congress, providing $200 million in funding to support 2-1-1. Senator Dole, Congressmen Price and Burr also support this legislation. Publicity included an announcement on the today show on September 12, 2003 that included and endorsement from Actor George Clooney.

Dr. Rebecca Leonard, NCSU Professor of Communication, designs the training model for HopeLine that becomes the standard or all future trainings.

2004

HopeLine becomes affiliated with and initiates two nationally recognized programs that help teens and adults to recognize the warning signs of depression and suicide. They were the Yellow Ribbon Program and QPR.

Collaborative efforts include teaching staff of other non-profits how to handle crisis calls, working with law enforcement, and helping the Wake County Public School System develop its curriculum on depression and suicide and providing staffing for the Gang Prevention Hotline of the Wake County Gang Prevention Partnership.  

2005

Through the nationally renowned QPR program, HopeLine provided suicide prevention and suicide awareness training to many local organizations, including mental health and substance abuse counseling providers, institutions of faith, high schools and middle schools.

2006

HopeLine partners with surrounding school districts to identify most prevalent adolescent issues and promote Teen TalkLine in the school system.

2007

HopeLine completes community needs assessment and enhances services based on results.
HopeLine adds to its core active listening based training by incorporating best practice curriculum based on a combination of Rogerian Theories and Solution-Focused Therapy to best serve local residents.

HopeLine joins Wake Adolescent Issues Coalition to ensure awareness of teen issues and to collaborate with other local agencies addressing teen issues. 
HopeLine provides services to fill the systemic gap between individuals and services as a result of the NC mental health reform and collaborates with the "Pro Bono Counseling Network" serving Orange, Person and Chatham counties.
Community awareness campaign is launched to increase awareness of Teen TalkLine services for adolescents through the Wake County School System, local YMCA’s, Parks and Recreation and 4-H.  

HopeLine celebrates 40 years of service by hosting an anniversary party for former and current board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters.