180 Turning Lives Around Receives $50K Grant For Youth Helpline

HAZLET, NJ — 180 Turning Lives Around has received a $50K grant from Bank of America to help fund their youth text/helpline.

A Hazlet-based organization, 180 Turning Lives Around is a local non-profit "dedicated to empowering survivors and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault."

Their helpline partners with 180 Turning Lives Around’s 2NDFLOOR program, NJ’s only multi-service program geared toward 10 to 24-year-olds.

2NDFLOOR consists of a 24/7 helpline, an interactive website with an online message board, a text message service and youth advisory councils where teens engage in community outreach, according to officials.

The funding will go toward the organization’s youth/text helpline, which “provides a forum where adolescents are empowered to take control of, and improve, their emotional, mental, physical, psychological and social well-being.”

According to officials, the helpline responds to hundreds of message board posts per year, fields roughly 5,000-6,000 calls and exchanges over 150,000 text messages with NJ youth in search of mental health support.

The grant will help with marketing and outreach to “ensure the youth of New Jersey know they can turn to us 24/7 to discuss any problems they may have” through calling, texting, or talking, officials said.

“We appreciate Bank of America’s generous support and continued investment in 180 Turning Lives Around and our statewide 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline,” CEO Liz Graham said. “Bank of America’s commitment to the mental health of our youth is commendable. We are grateful for the support and know their gift will improve the mental health of our youth in New Jersey.”

The grant is part of Bank of America’s “philanthropic giving efforts in local communities.” Awardees were selected for their commitment to addressing the needs of individuals and families, officials said, including basic needs and workforce development.

“For 20 years, the 2NDFLOOR helpline has been providing a safe space for adolescents to discuss their challenges and find the support they need,” said Alberto Garofalo, the president of Bank of America New Jersey. “It’s our hope that this grant will encourage more young people to reach out when they are struggling.”

To learn more about the helpline, you can visit the 180 Turning Lives Around website or visit the 2NDFLOOR website.