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Message Building aworldwhereeveryonehassomeonewho reallylistens.Annual Report FY24

I am honored to present CONTACT Care Line’s Annual Report for 2024, whichcaptures the incredible strides we have made this year. It is a privilege to share ourachievements and the profound impact of our work with the community.In 2024, CONTACT Care Line served more people than ever before, responding toover 76,464 individuals through calls, texts, and chats. Our commitment toexcellence in crisis intervention and suicide prevention remains steadfast, as wecontinue to lead as a vital resource in times of crisis.This year, we expanded our capacity to meet rising demands, growing our team tonearly 120 dedicated employees. Together, this remarkable group ensures ourservices remain accessible 24/7, providing vital support to individuals in theirdarkest moments. As part of the national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, CONTACTproudly continues to serve as a regional leader and a backbone of the nationalinfrastructure. Additionally, we have deepened our reach as a Spanish languagesub-network provider, ensuring inclusive care for those in need.Our focus on innovation and sustainability has guided our efforts to meet thegrowing demand for mental health support. Highlights of 2024 include therevitalization of our Reassurance Program, providing essential connections forsenior citizens, and the introduction of a LOSS Team to support survivors of suicideloss. These initiatives reflect our belief that no one should face their struggles alone.As we look toward the future, we remain unwavering in our dedication to ourmission and values. CONTACT Care Line is committed to fostering hope,connection, and resilience within our community. To all our supporters—donors,grantors, volunteers, and partners—thank you for standing with us. Your trust andgenerosity make our work possible.Together, we are saving lives and building a world where everyone has someonewho truly listens.With deepest gratitude,Bruce MarshallExecutive Director

mission We provide free and compassionateemotional support to people in suicidal crisis oremotional distress through confidential telephone,internet chat, and text services.Mission16,479LOCAL LINES42,639NATIONAL CHAT& TEXTmission Building a world where everyone hassomeone who really listens.Vision2In 2024, CONTACT Care Line served 76,464. More people than any other time in our history. Our YearJanuary 1, 2024 to December 31, 20241,823 OUTREACH,EDUCATION, &TRAINING15,533SPANISH PHONE1,813REASSURANCEPROGRAM

Every 11minutes someone dies bysuicide in theUnited States.(CDC , 2022)135people are impactedby one suicideloss.(Cerel et al., 2018)19% higher Tennessee has ahigher suiciderate than thenationalaverage.(Tennessee Department ofHealth, 2022)The NeedIn a world where challenges are increasingly complex, mental health is a majorpart of everyone’s journey, no matter the age, background, or life stage. Theneed for accessible, compassionate support has never been more apparent. Forthose facing the darkest moments, CONTACT Care Line plays a vital role,providing a lifeline for those who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or uncertainabout where to turn.Suicide touches everyone—it knows no boundaries. At times, each of usneeds support, and one meaningful connection can change everything. 3

Our trained crisis counselorsare always available throughthe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineto listen and connectindividuals to the resourcesthey need76,464 Calls, Texts, andChats AnsweredA dedicating calling programproviding those who feelisolated or need extra supportfriendly calls to remind clientsthat someone cares about theirwell-being.1,813 Calls MadeSupport programs providecompassionate outreach and asafe space to help individualsgrieving a suicide loss navigatetheir healing journey.24 Support GroupsHosted Empowering the communitywith tools and resources toaddress mental health andsuicide prevention throughprograms like QPR, ASIST, and988 awareness sessions.1823 CommunityMembers Trained424/7 Crisis ServicesReasurrance ProgramSuicide Loss Survivor SupportOutreach, Education, & Training

5Crisis ServicesWe understand that reaching out for help is acourageous step. When someone reaches out,they are quickly connected with a compassionate,empathetic mental health professional - in anaverage of 9 seconds. We answered 76.464 calls,texts, and chats for help in 2024. CONTACT Care Line is available 24/7 to support those incrisis and those looking for someone to simply listen. We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives the appropriate support they need. The majority of our contacts find relief through ourphone, text, or chat services. About .5% of those who reach out require in-person assistance, while another 12% are referred to additional resourcesthat can provide further support. This multi-faceted approach allows ourcounselors to tailor their response to each individual's unique needs.In instances where someone's safety is at risk, we act quickly— 364contacts in the past year required active rescue, often involving EMS orpolice dispatch. As much as possible, we prioritize conducting theserescues in collaboration with the person at risk.Between FY23 and FY 24,we served 47% morepeople via crisis services.

626,655 phone contacts34,863text contacts14,087 chat contactsLanguage matters.We’ve supported15,533 individualsthrough our SpanishPhone Line, ensuringaccessible care whenit's needed most.In 2024, we continued togrow and strengthen ourinternal capacity to meetthe rising demand:Expanded our team to nearly 120employees, increasing our abilityto offer continuous coverage andreliable assistance around theclock.We joined the Lifeline's UnifiedPlatform, enhancingcommunication capabilities tomeet the current and futureneeds of the 988 network.

In 2024, CONTACT Care Line's Reassurance Programexperienced a reenergization, expanding its impactand strengthening its outreach. The ReassuranceProgram provides regular phone calls to elderly orhomebound individuals with little or no caregiversupport. Daily, prearranged calls offer a friendlyvoice, medication reminders, safety checks, andaccess to crisis counseling and community resourceswhen needed. This year, we introduced new training for volunteers,equipping them with enhanced skills to bettersupport clients in need. Our partnership with localuniversities, including the University of Tennessee,Knoxville, brought in 5 new dedicated volunteerinterns, further enriching the program. This growthallowed us to serve an increasing number of clients,providing vital emotional support and fostering agreater sense of community and connection forthose who rely on our services.7ReassuranceProgramA Reassurance Call provides afriendly voice, gentle reminders, andreassurance that you’re not alone.

Launched our Reassuranceinternship program to increaseour capacity to serve seniorswhile providing meaningfulexperience for students.Developed a new trainingcurriculum for volunteers andinterns, equipping them withskills to address the uniqueneeds of older adults.Hired a dedicated ReassuranceProgram Supervisor to overseedaily operations and ensureclients receive consistent, high-quality support.5Volunteers11 Clients Served1,813Calls Made8"Thesecallsbringmepeaceofmind.It’swonderfultoknowthatsomeoneisthere,notjusttocheckonme,buttooffersupportwheneverIneedit."Reassurance Program ClientIn 2024, we received newfunding from the United Wayof Anderson County to growthe Reassurance Program tosupport more older adults:ReassuranceProgramClientReferralForm

CommunitySupportIn 2024, we expanded our focus onpostvention, providing crucialsupport to schools, workplaces, andcommunities affected by suicideloss. We launched the LOSS Team,composed of trained volunteerswho provide immediate outreachand empathetic, nonjudgmentalsupport to survivors of suicide loss.Every other week, we host aSurvivor of Suicide Loss SupportGroup at Bookwalter UnitedMethodist Church, creating a safespace for survivors to connect,share, and find strength together.Through these connections, we’rebuilding a network of hope andresilience in our community,ensuring that no one has to face thejourney of healing alone.9JoinourLOSSteame-maillist!Postvention

1,823 Community Members Trained38CommunityOutreachEventsKnowledge is powerful—having the skillsto support someone in crisis can savelives and foster hope. Our certifiedtrainers offer life-changing programs likeQPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) andASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention SkillsTraining) to help individuals recognizeand respond to signs of a crisis. Theseprograms aren’t just about learningtechniques—they’re about fosteringunderstanding, building resilience, andcreating a network of care that can makea lasting impactEducation andEngagement 10Interested in attending or hosting a training? Emailoffice@contactlistens.org to get started!60Training Events

We are so thankful for your support of our fundraisers this year!The success of our 2nd annual Listen for Life 5K and our first-everInk for Impact event, in partnership with Ark Angel Custom Ink, isa testament to the dedication and generosity of our community.Together, we’ve raised critical funds and awareness to help thosein crisis. Thank you for being a vital part of our mission!Growing OurCommunity2024 Fundraisers11Scanorclickheretoregisterforthe2025RaceforHope!

12The semicolon has become apowerful symbol of hope,resilience, and the strength tocontinue. In writing, a semicolonrepresents a pause, not the endof a sentence—just as itsymbolizes that even whenthings seem overwhelming,there is always more to yourstory. For many, thesemicolon is areminder thatstruggles don’t defineus, and with support,we can keep movingforward. It’s a symbol of solidarity for thosewho have faced mental healthchallenges and a call to nevergive up, no matter how toughthings may get.

13Heroes of HopeTo each individual, business, organization, and partner who makesour work possible, thank you.Martha V. Adler-Jasny Dr. Bob Cunningham Charles A. GillespieDiana Goad Douglas P. Greenlee Teresa Gross Robert and Carolyn Henderson Terrell Horne Doris Jolley Virginia Jones Mary Mader Kedl Ken and Katy Kendall Rita Montes Irene Robbins Martha S. Salk Individual CorporateGrantorsUnited Way of Anderson County United Way of Greater KnoxvilleAkima Club of KnoxvilleVibrant Emotional HealthAkima Club of KnoxvilleArchangel Custom Ink First United Methodist Church Kroger PayPal Giving Fund Rotary Club of Bearden Saint Mary's Council of Catholic Women Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church Tanner's OrchardDonations Made in HonorAbigail CircleEun Sook KimGordon 'Jaime' FlasphalerClay WalkerTanner BentJohn K. Munro Jr.

Ff14In recent years, CONTACT has grown rapidly, backed by state andfederal funding for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and increasedsupport from East Tennessee partners. This funding allows us to reachmore people in crisis with greater impact. Now, we’re focusing ondiversifying funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability andstability, helping us to support even more people in need. We’regrateful to every donor for their role in safeguarding our mission.Fiscal Year 2024 FinancialsStatement of ActivitiesJanuary 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024RevenueExpenses$4,238,992.84Government Contracts & Grants$4,131,658.82Contributions$62,138.25Program Service $388.47Interest$44,798.80Events$-23.75Total RevenueCrisis Services$4,219,249.38Other$289,187.45Fundraising$2,910.68Administrative$60,117.68Outreach$25,439.14Events$717.08$4,597,621.41Total Expenses

Thank you to our Board of Directors for your dedication andsupport. Your leadership helps us provide hope and connection tothose who need it most.15Board ofDirectorsDr. Casey BarrioJoe PaceMaria CastleAmanda DevineDr. Ragan Schriver Brittanie WeaverTiffany DavisJacob OvertonMichelle PaclebBruce MarshallElizabeth BoxNot Pictured:

Spread theWordShare this reportwith a friend16Connectwith UsJoin us online, inour newsletter, atevents, or throughvolunteering.DonateEvery donation, big orsmall, helps CONTACTCare Line answer morecalls and provide life-saving resources. Join usin making a difference.Join the MissionWe believe that connection andcompassion can change lives. Hereare some new and impactful waysyou can support our mission andstrengthen our community.Your Support Makes a Difference

Stay in Touch!Call or Text 988Contact Care Line318 N. Gay St., Suite 100Knoxville, TN 37917contactlistens.org | office@contactlistens.org | 865-312-7450Contact Helpline, Inc. DBA CONTACT Care Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with no religious affiliiation. All gifts are tax deductible. Subscribe to our monthlynewsletter, Caring Connections: