Girls and Boys Town National Hotline Looks to Meet Needs of Growing Hispanic Community

Girls and Boys Town
Thursday, 24 January 2002

As the Hispanic population in the United States grows, the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline is reporting a substantial jump in calls from members of the Hispanic community. As the number of crisis calls by Spanish-speaking individuals increases, so does the need for Spanish-speaking Hotline counselors.

According to Girls and Boys Town National Hotline Manager Ginny Gohr, calls from Spanish speaking callers have increased 40 percent in the last three years. "As the Hispanic community grows, we are seeing a growing need for Girls and Boys Town National Hotline services among Spanish speaking people. It is really important that we have counselors available for all of those who need us," Gohr said.

To keep up with the increasing demand, the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline is looking to recruit more Spanish speaking counselors to work the lines at its National Headquarters in Boys Town, Nebraska. The Boys Town based call center takes calls from across the United States and often takes overflow calls from other hotlines.

The Girls and Boys Town National Hotline strives to serve callers from all ethnic backgrounds and all walks of life. Counselors are prepared to deal with problems ranging from relationships and parental discipline to depression and suicide. Anyone can "Call the Girls and Boys Town National Hotline with any problem anytime: 1-800-448-3000 (TTY: 1-800-448-1833)." Callers can follow the prompts to proceed in English or Spanish.

Those interested in becoming Girls and Boys Town National Hotline Counselors can call 402-498-1788.

For more information, or to contact Girls and Boys Town, see their website at: www.girlsandboystown.org