The February 2022 Hotline Volunteer of the Month is Ruthie Charlton, a long-time crisis line volunteer. Ruthie was nominated by the crisis line volunteer coordinator, Marian William.
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 February 2022 Hotline Volunteer of the Month is Ruthie Charlton, a long-time crisis line volunteer. Ruthie was nominated by the crisis line volunteer coordinator, Marian William, who shared this about Ruthie:
“Ruthie was born and resided in New Jersey until her move to the Outer Banks in 1985. Soon after her move, she began volunteering with Britthaven, now known as Peak Nursing Home, until 2005. She also volunteered with Outer Banks Hospice until 2010. She has been a volunteer with Outer Banks Hotline for over 25 years and volunteers answering our crisis line calls. She is a valued volunteer. Her longevity with the Outer Banks Hotline is appreciated by the all the staff at the Safehouse and Administration.
“Besides all of the volunteering Ruthie has done, she still has had the opportunity to enjoy some hobbies, such as cooking, entertaining, singing in the Outer Banks Chorus (until Covid showed up), knitting prayer shawls from her church, and reading books.
“Her best buddy is her cat Opi who loves to eat sushi, when he can convince Ruthie to share it.”
Ruthie 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.