This September, give back and train to be a hotline volunteer with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program

News from the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Program
June 13, 2018
Contact: Lyn Dobrin, 516-997-8545

This September, give back and train to be a hotline volunteer with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program

Breast cancer survivors are encouraged to apply and train to become volunteers with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. Training will be held at Adelphi University in Garden City, starting Tuesday, September 11th.

“We have nearly 100 trained volunteers,” says Hillary Rutter, the director of the program. Rutter says that volunteers help the organization in many different ways. “Some speak in the community about their personal experiences, others help by doing fundraising, community outreach, office work, educational presentations, or respond to callers throughout New York State on our hotline,” she says. 

Because the hotline volunteers have had breast cancer, it helps them to understand what it is like to receive a breast cancer diagnosis and the needed treatment that will follow. “When our volunteers answer a hotline call the caller knows that the person they are speaking to has walked in their shoes and understands what they are going through,” says social worker Alida Rubenstein, the coordinator of volunteers. Ms. Rubenstein saysit  is also reassuring for the caller to know that not only has the volunteer survived her diagnosis and treatment, she is now doing so well that she is volunteering to help others.

Volunteers are required to take in-depth training, which includes breast education, development of important skills, such as active listening, community outreach and knowledge of community resources. The volunteers also have continuing education throughout the year.

The next volunteer training is scheduled for three consecutive Tuesdays, September 11th, 18th and 25th. The training on all three days is from 10 AM to 4 PM.  To find out about all volunteering, which includes opportunities for those who have not had breast cancer, contact Ms. Rubenstein at arubenstein@adelphi.edu or
(516) 877-4315.

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is the oldest breast cancer hotline in the country, established by the Adelphi School of Social Work in 1980. To reach the hotline, call 800-877-8077 or breast-cancer.adelphi.edu. You are not alone.

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