July 13, 2018. For immediate release.

New York

KindEar is pleased to announce the upcoming establishment of a hotline for the Orthodox/OTD/Frei community. The hotline will be staffed 24/7 by bilingual (Yiddish/English) operators who will provide a listening ear to community members who wish to discuss matters anonymously with someone who understands their background and needs, and refer members to resources that are available to assist them.

Additionally, KindEar will act as a crisis support organization, partnering with law-enforcement and health officials, and mental health organizations to develop a working relationship and standardize procedures for operator training and operation.

KindEar answers an unaddressed, urgent need for a trustworthy resource for people who are grappling with life’s challenges with the particular complexities and minutiae that an Orthodox upbringing may present, and does so without judgement or dogmatic agenda. While many other hotlines exist, members of the community may find the language barrier intimidating, or may feel that their challenges are foreign and not relatable by the operators of those services. KindEar, with its focus on this particular community, will further result in an increased awareness of the availability of help in general.

KindEar is an initiative started by Gene Steinberg, a mental health advocate who is running a social support organization since 2011; and Ethan Abend, a retired rescue specialist with the NYPD with extensive training and experience in mental health crisis management.

KindEar is welcoming input from mental health professionals and organizations. KindEar is also looking for volunteers to staff the phones and other purposes, and professionals willing to provide pro-bono services related to its core mission as well as administrative and ancillary services. KindEar is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.