The Celebration of 50 Years of Service
"We have gathered here in this sacred place to celebrate and confirm a miracle - for God has moved and God has visited us in this place through ministry. Let there be no doubt about it." These were the words of Reverend Michael Curry at the 10 year anniversary. Those words continue to ring true. Founded in 1973, Crisis Control Ministry has built upon the idea of neighbors helping neighbors.
The idea for a crisis center that goes beyond stop-gap aid for persons in crisis situations was initiated by the Downtown Church Center, a group of downtown churches. Through that vision, the doors of Crisis Control Ministry opened on April 4, 1973. Since then it has grown to be the largest nonprofit provider of short-term emergency assistance serving Forsyth and Stokes Counties.
On April 3, 2023, the eve our 50th anniversary, we hosted a Celebration and Worship Service at First Baptist on Fifth at 7p.m. The Most Reverend Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church and former chair of the board at Crisis Control Ministry in 1980, brought a message of hope and inspiration. The WFU Gospel Choir, the Ardmore brass band, community leaders and young people were all be a part of the service.
We were honored by the number of people who attended and helped us celebrate. More than 600 people registered to attend. Due to limited seating capacity, we were unable to accommodate all who wanted to attend, but recorded the service to be viewed online.
To view the recording of the service, click the video link below.
| The 1970s - The Vision | In the early 1970’s, it became apparent to religious leaders that people requesting emergency assistance presented a challenge which churches, acting separately, were unable to meet. Congregations and their staffs were increasingly incapable of responding effectively to the volume of legitimate requests for aid. Other agencies, both public and private, administered funds that were restricted by inflexible eligibility criteria. People in crisis were faced with the overwhelming and discouraging task of determining where to turn for help. |
| 1973-1977 - The Early Years | So it was that Crisis Control Ministry was organized by the religious community in 1973 to establish a comprehensive system of response to the emergency needs of persons in Forsyth County. The ministry opened April 4, 1973, at 930 Patterson Avenue to coordinate the financial and volunteer resources of the churches with the expertise and services of Forsyth County’s social service agencies. Reverend Ronald E. Rice, Sr. was the first Executive Director. |
| 1973-1974 | Reverend C. King Cole, Board Chair |
| 1974-1975 | Mr. Arch H. Scales, Board Chair |
| 1975-1977 | Reverend J. Simson Hawkins, Board Chair |
| 1977 - Satellite Office, Kernersville | The ministry opened a satellite office in Kernersville in October 1977 to serve people in the eastern part of the county. Over 75 volunteers are needed each day to do the work of the ministry. The work of Crisis Control Ministry has been possible because of a strong commitment on the part of the community to those in crisis. |
| 1977-1996 - Ginny Britt, Executive Director | Ginny N. Britt was a member of the original task force that established Crisis Control Ministry and served as vice president of the board of directors. In 1977, Ginny Britt assumed the position of Executive Director. She served in that position from 1977 to 1996. During that time, Crisis Control Ministry grew dramatically and saw many changes including the expansion of service to a satellite location in Kernersville. Britt also led a substantial capital campaign in 1985 to build the new building were Crisis Control Ministry is now located. Realizing that prescription medication is another cause of crises, Britt also worked to establish Crisis Control Ministry as North Carolina's first free licensed pharmacy. |
| 1977-1978 | Mr. Mike Mooty, Board Chair |
| 1978-1979 | Mr. C. I. Sawyer, Board Chair |
| 1979-1980 | Mrs. Becky Minnix, Board Chair |
| 1980-1982 | Reverend Michael B. Curry, Board Chair |
| 1981 - Samaritan Soup Kitchen | In February of 1981, Samaritan Soup Kitchen opened its doors. It was sponsored by Crisis Control Ministry. |
