While commemorating 50 years of service to the Winston-Salem community, Crisis Control Ministry (CCM) continues to share its message of hope throughout this exciting year – with an evening of music and celebration at the Rhythm & Hope Community Concert!
CCM began celebrating the 50th year of service on April 3, 2023, with a Celebration and Worship Service at First Baptist Church on Fifth in Winston-Salem. The Most Reverend Michael Curry, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church and former Crisis Control Ministry board chair, delivered an inspiring message. (A recording of the service is available online at crisiscontrol.org/50years.)
The Rhythm & Hope Community Concert is free and open to the public. “We want to celebrate our 50th Anniversary with the entire community – those whom we seek to serve as well as those who help us to serve. This event is our gift to the community,” explains Margaret Elliott, Executive Director of Crisis Control Ministry.
The Rhythm & Hope Concert will be held Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Winston-Salem Fairground, Clocktower Stage. Entertainment will be as follows – with these Winston-Salem favorites!
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Souljam
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The Phase Band
In addition to live music, there will be food trucks and family friendly activities for all to enjoy!
While admission is free, both food and financial donations will be accepted at the gate, to help restock CCM’s client-choice food pantries. “Due to greater need, coupled with high inflation, our food pantries are especially low,” commented Margaret Elliott. In June of this year, the Winston-Salem food pantry distributed nearly 30% more than in June of 2022, and the Kernersville food pantry saw an even more dramatic increase of nearly 50% higher than last year. For a list of most-needed items, visit crisiscontrol.org.
Bringing the community together is at the core of what the Crisis Control Ministry has done for the last 50 years. “Neighbors helping neighbors’ ‘ is more than just a tagline; it is the core of Crisis Control Ministry’s mission. This concert is a perfect way to bring folks together, while giving back to the entire community.
In its fiscal year 2022, CCM provided direct services to 18,107 individuals at a value of $2,830,961, along with food outreach through community partnerships such as Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, the LaDeara Crest Community, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Imprints Cares and many more.
“At the end of the day, the most important measure of how we are doing is determined by the people who come here for assistance and the amazing community that supports us,” Margaret commented. “Thanks to our volunteers and staff – and the willingness and integrity of each person who comes here for his or her own crisis resolution – Crisis Control Ministry continues to be a place where honest conversation, trust and service to each other takes place.”
In addition to providing services to people in crisis, CCM presents several programs to help raise awareness about poverty throughout the community. For more information or to get involved, visit crisiscontrol.org.
Crisis Control Ministry is located at 200 East Tenth Street in Winston-Salem. Hours are Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. – noon, and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. or reach them at 336.724.7453. The satellite Kernersville location is at 431 W Bodenhamer St, 336.996.5401. Hours are Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to noon, with additional hours Tuesday and Thursday: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
