WESTFIELD, N.J. - s4story -- Caring Contact, an award-winning primarily volunteer-staffed crisis hotline and listening community serving Central and Northern New Jersey, announced today that it has received a $500,000 grant from the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation—the most significant gift in Caring Contact's 50-year history. The gift was awarded as the Foundation concludes 26 years of service to the community.

The grant recognizes Caring Contact's long-standing role in providing free, confidential emotional support to people in crisis and those who simply need someone to listen. For more than 20 years, Caring Contact has answered calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in New Jersey and also operates a warmline. In 2025, the organization answered 25,700 calls, its highest volume ever.

"Every 988 call represents someone reaching out in a moment of profound need. This extraordinary gift will help ensure that more people are met with compassion, safety and hope when they need it most," said Mary Claire Givelber, Executive Director of Caring Contact. "We are deeply grateful to the Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation for its 18 years of partnership and this transformational investment in our mission."

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The Elizabethtown Healthcare Foundation has supported organizations addressing healthcare and community needs in Elizabeth and surrounding areas, including mental health services, women and children, and programs that strengthen community health. Its final grant to Caring Contact reflects a shared commitment to emotional well-being, suicide prevention, and lifesaving support.

Founded in 1975, Caring Contact trains volunteer Listeners in active listening, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training and live call center experience. In addition to answering crisis calls, Caring Contact provides follow-up calls, resources and community education, including listening workshops and suicide prevention programs.

As demand for crisis support continues to rise, Caring Contact will use the gift to recruit, train and support volunteer Listeners; expand community education; and help ensure that people across the region can reach a caring, trained person in moments of distress.

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About Caring Contact
Caring Contact is a nonprofit, volunteer-staffed caring and crisis hotline serving Central and Northern New Jersey. The organization promotes emotional well-being and prevents emotional crises by giving people opportunities to express themselves to compassionate listeners in a safe, confidential environment. Learn more at Caring Contact | An award-winning caring and crisis hotline (https://caringcontact.org/)