. >> reporter: chris kuehne is ceo of buckley programs, the 50-year-old nonprofit that runs 988 for most of the north bay. >> we have been able to help people de-escalate from a crisis situation. the next step is to get them access to the right level of service in the local community. >> reporter: those services include a wide range of mental health and substance use treatment programs, including counseling for children, teens, and adults. but getting connected to much-needed help often start with a conversation with a caring and compassionate call taker, like jim. >> they don't know me, they will never know me, and i don't know them and will never know them. but it is just two human beings , one person reaching out at another person trying to be there for them. >> reporter: he is one volunteer making 988 one of the first calls for help. >> it takes a very special person to do that job. bless him. buckley programs is still looking to hire or train volunteers. they say there is a severe lack of mental health professionals to work for their mental crisis response teams. >>> following break