MARLBORO — If you ask Cheryl Berman how she became involved with 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline, she will tell you it was fate.
A few years ago, the former middle school media specialist cut out a newspaper article about 2NDFLOOR – a nonprofit that supports New Jersey youth through its free, confidential and anonymous helpline – with the intention of adding it to her “retirement bucket list.”
“Although I left teaching, I did not want to give up my connection with kids,” said Berman, a resident of the Morganville section of Marlboro.
So, when her 34-year teaching career came to an end five years ago, Berman and past colleague Susan Kelley set out to find the ideal volunteer opportunity. After spending a short time with other charities, the former Markham Place School, Little Silver, teachers eventually found themselves at 2NDFLOOR.
2NDFLOOR is dedicated to helping children and teens with any problems they are facing at home or at school, 24 hours a day. The helpline averages 10,000 calls a month from youth throughout the state, according to a press release from the organization.
“Adolescence is so difficult,” said Berman. “There’s barely a child that gets by without trauma or angst and we want to let kids know we’re here.”
The challenge, however, is letting more youth know there is a free, confidential resource available to them. That’s where this duo comes in.
“We knew that outreach would be a perfect match for us. As former teachers, we’re used to talking to the community – principals, boards of education, and parent groups. It’s a natural fit for us,” said Kelly, a resident of Shrewsbury.
Berman and Kelly have been outreach volunteers for two years. They visit schools, attend PTO meetings, back-to-school nights, open houses at colleges, and other community events to spread the word about 2NDFLOOR, share materials, and answer questions.
In their 30-plus years of teaching, both Berman and Kelly knew many at-risk youth. Many times, their students had friends who were dealing with serious issues and did not know where to turn. That is why Berman and Kelly are determined to let more youth know about 2NDFLOOR.
“2NDFLOOR gives kids an avenue to say, ‘I’m not equipped to help you, but here’s a place that can,’ ” said Kelley.
This past year, the two attended the New Jersey EducationAssociation convention in Atlantic City on behalf of 2NDFLOOR. They also attended a workshop where they met with 150 school nurses, who prove to be important resources in helping to spread the word in schools, according to the press release.
“Cheryl and Susan are tremendous assets to 2NDFLOOR,” said Nicole Romaine, director of development. “Volunteers are vital in the nonprofit world. We are so fortunate to have them on our side, advocating for 2NDFLOOR and for all kids in need in New Jersey.”
As they head into another summer of retirement, Berman and Kelly show no signs of slowing down. The two have plans to represent 2NDFLOOR at local community events and will start to make arrangements for next year’s school meetings and workshops.
“Part of enjoying the rest of my life is giving back,” said Berman. “2NDFLOOR has made that easy for us to do.”
The 2NDFLOOR hotline is 888-222- 2228 and is staffed by professional counselors and trained volunteers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For those interested in becoming a 2NDFLOOR volunteer, visit www.2ndfloor.org or contact Danielle Pezza at 732-264-4360, ext. 2266, or by email at [email protected].