Submitted to The Wilson Times by: Nancy Sallenger
Listening — a skill that can be hard to find in today’s society. We’re all busy, often too busy. We have our own problems, calendars are full and social media begs for our attention constantly.
But it’s a necessity to be heard when we’re hurting, in trouble or in need.
If you live in Wilson and are in a crisis situation or have a problem that seemingly has no answer, the Wilson Crisis Center is here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A person is on the other end of that phone call, not a voicemail or answering machine.
Our trained staff and volunteers walk callers through their situations, listening closely to match the problems to the resources to help solve them or to make referrals to the proper professionals. The Wilson Crisis Center serves as a connection to services for domestic violence, rape, suicide and other mental health emergencies and local AA, NA and AI-Anon meetings. Callers can confidentially and anonymously request information or talk about a problem or concern. We listen to what the caller needs, whether it’s food, medicine, housing or a compassionate person with whom to talk. Whatever the situation, our staff and volunteers go above and beyond to get you or your loved one the proper help needed.
The Wilson Crisis Center offers Hello Calls, daily reassurance calls to senior citizens and disabled adults. We make Med Calls, reminding senior citizens to take their daily medications. There is also a separate Teen Help Line providing assistance to teens.
When you make a call to the Wilson Crisis Center, the person on the other end of the phone is located in Wilson, knows the area and knows the resources available. Please know that you are not alone and that help can be found. Whether it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., the Wilson Crisis Center is here for you. Call 252-237-5156.
The Wilson Crisis Center is a United Way of Wilson partner agency.
Nancy Sallenger, Wilson The writer is executive director of the Wilson Crisis Center.