Psychology alumna Samantha Middleton ’18 has helped Philadelphia students and families  get through the COVID-19 crisis by providing counseling services with Uplift Center for Grieving Children and their new call service, Philly HopeLine. 

Last summer, Middleton started her internship with Uplift Center for Grieving Children, an organization that provides support for children who have experienced the loss of someone significant in their lives. Today, she and other Clinical Psychology students staff the Philly HopeLine to speak to Philadelphia area community members of all ages who need emotional support. Individuals can also text the helpline if they are uncomfortable with calling.

“The decision to create the hotline was one made by Uplift Center for Grieving Children in order to ensure that our community had a way to vent, receive help, and to get connected to other resources,” said Middleton. “This helpline is for everyone, regardless of age, to ensure that youth and caregivers feel supported during these times. We’ve taken calls about grief, confusion, loss, and everything in between.”

The Philly HopeLine is sponsored in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia, and is the first helpline managed by Uplift Center for Grieving Children. The Philly Hopeline can be accessed by calling or texting 833-745-4673.

Middleton is enrolled in a master’s degree program for Clinical Psychology at Chestnut Hill College.