Story courtesy Outer Banks Hotline
Bronwyn Thornton, Executive Director of the Outer Banks Hotline, its board of directors, managers and employees would like to recognize the dedication and hard work of all our volunteers. Our volunteers are such a valuable part of our organization and we want them to know how much we appreciate their time and talents.
The January 2022 Hotline Volunteer of the Month is Marta Martinez, the longest-serving and most dedicated volunteer of 25 years in our Hatteras Island thrift store. Marta was nominated by her manager, Donna Covey.
Donna Covey, manager of the Hatteras Island Hotline thrift store, had this to say of Marta:
“Marta Martinez has volunteered at the Hatteras Island Hotline shop since its doors opened 25 years ago, making her its longest serving volunteer. Her work goes well beyond running the cash register, and sorting and pricing goods. She has helped recruit and train countless new volunteers. Her teaching background has been an asset in working with young community service workers assigned to the shop. Even the outdoor sign hanging above the shop entrance door was designed and painted by Marta.
“She is a great advocate for Hotline—outgoing and friendly with each customer while spreading the organization’s mission.
“Marta has lived on Hatteras Island since the mid-1970s where she is warmly known for her community service. For decades, she served as the school art teacher inspiring creativity in the island’s kids from K through 12.”
Marta personifies the kindness and generosity of the volunteer spirit!
Outer Banks Hotline‘s mission is to promote a safe and compassionate community. We are a private, non-profit human services organization that provides crisis intervention, safe house, information and referrals, advocacy, and prevention education services to residents of and visitors to the Outer Banks.
Working together, Hotline’s well-trained volunteers and dedicated staff provide the community with years of crisis intervention experience in the areas of domestic violence and sexual assault response, prevention education, support groups, and community outreach. Programs and services are added and refined over time as needs are identified.
A variety of support groups to empower and educate survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse, groups to address the issues of men who abuse their partners, and programs for children who are affected by violence and abuse in their families.
Training and education for allied professionals, such as law enforcement, social workers, health care workers, childcare providers, teachers, and other interested groups. These trainings raise community awareness of the many aspects of personal and domestic crises.
Outreach in the community and the schools through community leadership in providing resources for anti-bullying prevention, parent education, services for at-risk youth, emergency assistance for individuals in crisis, and deliberate participation in community events and task forces addressing issues of compassion and safety.
A 24-hour crisis line (252-473-3366) connects a distressed caller to a volunteer trained to listen and make referrals. Topics include suicide, family problems, depression, substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
A comprehensive domestic violence program that includes a safe house, advocacy, support, and referral for victims and their children.
A sexual assault response program that provides the assault victim with a trained advocate at the hospital, during interactions with law enforcement, and in court proceedings. Referrals for counseling options are also offered to the victim and family members.
If you are interested in being a volunteer, please call us at 252-473-5121, stop by a store, or visit OBHotline.org. The
24/7 Crisis Hotline can be reached at 252-473-3366.