Just about every kid knows to call 911 in an emergency, but what about those times when kids have non-life threatening problems, such as feeling lonely or having too much homework or facing bullies at school? Thanks to the 2NDFLOOR® Youth Helpline, assistance for these children is just a toll-free phone call away. Calls to 2NDFLOOR are answered by understanding adults who are trained to listen to children talk about anything that is on their minds. It is anonymous, confidential and available to all children ages 10 through 24 living anywhere in New Jersey, any time of the day or night.
    The idea for 2NDFLOOR began in Great Britain more than 20 years ago. Here in New Jersey, it was started five years ago by the Monmouth County nonprofit organization,
180 Turning Lives Around, Inc. The youth helpline operated in just a few areas until recently when it was expanded to help young people throughout the entire state.
    There is no topic that is off-limits or too embarrassing to discuss with the phone counselors, emphasizes 2NDFLOOR Director Mary Pearson, who explained:
    “Some of the subjects that might be discussed are making daily choices, coping with parental divorce, experiencing racism, living with a disability, feeling sad about the death of a loved one, fears about gang violence, worries about sexuality and self-image, or problems with peer pressure and dating relationships – and those are just a few of the possibilities. 2NDFLOOR phone counselors never judge the children who call or the situations they face – they are there only to help and guide children and young adults with their daily concerns.”
    If callers say they have trouble discussing issues with their parents or friends, 2NDFLOOR phone counselors can help them rehearse what they want to say. If a caller needs more information about a subject, 2NDFLOOR phone counselors can tell them where to find it. If a caller is just feeling down, a 2NDFLOOR phone counselor is there to let him or her know someone cares.  Children not only can solve their immediate problems, they can learn the best way to handle difficulties in the future from adults qualified to offer them comfort, respect and guidance. 
    2NDFLOOR also has a website where children can submit a concern or issue for assistance, find out more about the helpline, read a wide variety of helpful articles, take a survey or express their opinions via an online message board. Kids can even become part of the 2NDFLOOR team by volunteering to be on a Youth Advisory Board that meets throughout the school year to spread the word about 2NDFLOOR and provide  feedback about its website. Adults interested in giving back to the community by volunteering at 2NDFLOOR are also encouraged to visit the website and register.
    No problem is too big or too small for 2NDFLOOR call counselors who are ready  to help children and young adults anytime they are needed. To speak to someone at 2NDFLOOR, call toll-free 1-888-222-2228. To visit the 2NDFLOOR website, go to 2ndfloor.org