Switchboard of Miami, Inc.

Switchboard of Miami, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that was established in 1968 in Miami, Florida. It was founded by attorney Steve Greenberg, the Reverend Donald Olson, and Dr. Milt Grossman in response to the need for community support during the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War[3].

Mission and Services

Switchboard of Miami provided comprehensive telephone crisis counseling, suicide prevention services, and information and referral assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week[4]. The organization aimed to connect individuals in need with vital resources, serving both as a first point of assistance and a last resort for those requiring immediate help[5].

History

Initially, Switchboard of Miami focused on providing affordable housing options for college students but soon expanded its services to address broader community needs, including telephone crisis counseling, suicide prevention, and free individual and family counseling services[1][3]. The organization played a critical role in saving thousands of lives through its suicide prevention efforts and was recognized for its impact in the Miami-Dade County community[5].

Transition of Services

In December 2016, facing significant financial challenges, Switchboard of Miami underwent a transition. Jewish Community Services of South Florida took over its programs, including the 211 Call Center and HELPline, to ensure the continuity of vital services for the community[5]. This transition allowed the majority of Switchboard's staff to continue their work under Jewish Community Services, ensuring minimal disruption to clients[5].

Legacy

Switchboard of Miami's legacy continues through the indispensable services it established, which are now maintained by Jewish Community Services of South Florida. The organization's commitment to providing critical support services to the community remains a testament to the importance of nonprofit organizations in addressing social needs[5].

[1] https://211miami.org/mission-and-vision/ [2] https://switchboardhq.com/about [3] https://211miami.org/about-us/ [4] https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/98dec6863b874a5ab06b42868791f5e0-switchboard-of-miami-inc-miami [5] https://jcsfl.org/news/jewish-community-services-makes-plans-to-assume-switchboard-programs/