988, 211: 24/7
Justin Jarratt, Contra Costa Crisis Center Call Center manager—"The greatest value we provide is the human element."
Justin Jarratt has always been interested in being a part of a profession that helps people. At the age of six, he suffered the loss of a parent, and since then has spent a good deal of time talking with people about grief and loss, speaking from the heart, and empathizing with others facing crises. Justin joined the Contra Costa Crisis Center, located at 307 Lennon Lane, in July 2012 as a volunteer.
“I saw that I could be of value at the Crisis Center, helping others cope with their feelings as they seek support and answers,” said Justin, who originally signed on to be a grief counselor. “With time and training, I came to discover the depth and breadth of the work the Crisis Center does—and I knew this was where I belonged.”
Today, Justin manages the Crisis Center Call Center, overseeing a team of more than 50 highly trained staff and volunteers who handle the crisis and suicide phone lines, which offer services 24/7.
Every call specialist is cross-trained to answer both 211 calls for information and referrals, and 988 calls to the acute crisis and suicide help line.
Most calls are 211 callers asking for help accessing basic services, such as food, shelter, healthcare—life sustaining services that are just out of their reach.
Then there are those moments of deep connection with people on the 988 crisis and suicide lines when the teams find themselves saving lives.
“Suicide is preventable.,” said Justin. “Not only can we provide immediate help by being there for callers, but there are practical steps we take to create a safe environment for them—one of hope as we talk with them, listen to them, and meet them where they are in their crisis."
Are you interested in helping your neighbors? The Contra Costa Crisis Center invites you to attend its monthly volunteer orientation. Check the schedule and sign-up online.
In 2023, the call center handled 70,000 calls to both lines. In the month of April 2024 alone, the center handled 2,400 calls to 988.
Serving Contra Costa County
Call or text:
Crisis & Suicide Helpline : 988
Information & Referral: 211
24-hour access to resources and emotional support.