We are in the vocation of supporting and improving human life around the clock. We believe that the people we support are valued members of the community and that we should support their dreams.
The Listening Ear Crisis Center is a private nonprofit, United Way human service agency based in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan providing services across mid and northern Michigan. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, the organization is licensed by the State of Michigan and accredited by the Council on Accreditation for Families and Children, Inc.
Since its inception in 1969, Listening Ear has grown and evolved from a single service agency providing 24-hour crisis services for 200 persons, to a multi-service organization serving over 30,000 persons annually.
The mission of Listening Ear Crisis Center, guided by the communities served, “offers hope and opportunity by listening to, supporting, and advocating for people who need quality services and safe, affordable housing.”
The agency’s purpose: “We are in the vocation of supporting and improving human life around the clock.”
Listening Ear is committed to its values and its slogan “Focusing on What People Can Do” which best illustrates the organization’s approach.
42,722
42,722 people from 23 counties were helped through the 24/7 Crisis Line/2-1-1.
115
115 Homeless Youth,
ages 12-21, were served.
102
102 persons with developmental disabilities and/or mental illness were provided residential support in 5 counties.
355
355 persons were provided agency-owned, safe, affordable rental housing.
30
30 children from 27 counties were provided loving foster care by 12 foster care families.
3,375
3,375 Dreams Realized.
Our History
Listening Ear Crisis Center is a charitable nonprofit accredited organization that has grown over the last four decades from a single 24-hour crisis line serving one community, to a multi‑service agency staffed by nearly 400 people in multiple counties and impacting over 20,000 persons annually.
Early Years
Listening Ear was the brainchild of a few Central Michigan University (CMU) students who recognized that although other university towns had a 24-hour crisis line service, Mt. Pleasant did not. In those early years, the all volunteer staffed Crisis Center operated from various donated spaces, on a very small budget with funding from the United Fund, a CMU student association, and donations from service organizations.
Growth
Listening Ear had grown with nearly 50 volunteers. Most calls, (around 2,500/year) were from community residents or students seeking a confidential and empathic ear while working through personal struggles, such as health, mental health, and relationships.
After-hours Call Service
The annual number of calls to the Crisis Line increases increases to 4,000 and expands services to include information and referrals. We began offering an after-hours call service for several local health and human service providers and produces a county-wide/regional Resource Directory. Listening Ear also established a permanent headquarters, complete with offices at 107 East Illinois, Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.
Crisis services available to anyone 24-hours, everyday.
New Opportunities & Funding
Board of Directors looks for new opportunities and funding sources. Within 5 years and with new local, state, and federal contracts, Listening Ear began providing residential support services for adults with developmental disabilities in Shepherd, Mt. Pleasant, and Clare. We launched a Runaway Youth Services program to provide counseling, temporary shelter, and youth advocacy in Clare and Isabella Counties. Additionally, we created our Child Foster Care Program that recruits foster families, provides training, assures quality and compliance of requirements, assists with placement, and maintains records for all the of the foster care homes. We also developed a one-of-a-kind, specialized Child Sexual Abuse Treatment Program for child victims of sexual abuse and/or incest.
Expansion
Listening Ear GROWS! In order to meet this need, we began reaching into new counties. The Crisis Line alone served nearly 10,000 calls per year by the end of 1999.
Listening Ear Crisis Center achieved accreditation status with Council on Accreditation.
United Way
We are a proud United Way agency in Isabella and Clare Counties.
"The team framework"
Time and effort spend on improving the quality of our programs by organizing them into three “teams.” The team framework provides an integrated way of managing our resources and increases our ability to focus on a consumer-driven, person-centered, planning approach for those we serve — what they CAN do. The teams work together to share support services, 24-hour response and on-call services, and expertise.
New Leadership
Cindy Seger becomes Listening Ear’s new Executive Director
New website launched in 2025.
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support your community?
Donating enables us to help your community and ensures that our programs will always be available to those in need. Thank you!