Following a serious illness, Dea decided not to return to her decades-long career in telecommunications and, instead, began looking for ways to make her passion for mental health a full-time commitment. She found her opportunity through the Healthy Minds Alliance, an AmeriCorps program that pairs older adults and others eager to serve with 988 crisis centers, including Samaritans.
“For me, it’s a huge opportunity to give back,” Dea says. Having raised children with severe mental health challenges, she immediately connected with the Helpline mission.
Samaritans’ remote system has made it easy for Dea to take calls right from her home in Kansas, starting as early as 6am. “You get up, grab your coffee, and you’re good to go,” she says.
These days, Dea feels energized by her work. “It’s a personal thing for me to know that I did somebody some good,” she says. “Whether it was a short or a long call, it made a difference to that person.”
Dea recently joined the 24/7 Helpline as a full-time staff member, following the conclusion of her AmeriCorps year. Working with Samaritans is, in her words, “a dream job.”
The biggest thing is listening, really hearing. When you have a good connection with the caller, they start sharing a lot.
You Are Not Alone
If you’re overwhelmed, having thoughts of suicide, or worried about someone, Samaritans is here to support you.
Call or text: 988
