The TALK Line (Telephone Aid in Living with Kids) is San Francisco’s only 24-hour counseling line for parents who are having a hard time. Because of its 33 year history, it has become widely known to both parents and other agencies throughout the city as a non-threatening and sympathetic place to call for help. It is the core program and the point of entry for most of the families who are connected with direct services at the Center.

The 80 volunteers who staff the TALK Line are a diverse group of people from all corners of the San Francisco community. They range in age from 25 to 82, some with a significant background in counseling, some with none at all. What they all share is a desire to help families and a willingness to open themselves to the difficulties in other people’s lives. They set aside four hours every week to listen to distressed parents and to offer them a supportive partnership within which they can make positive changes in their lives and the lives of their children.