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HIDDEN TALENT AT CONTACT
It is amazing what you learn while talking with volunteers. Recently in a conversation with Tom Lee, I learned that he is a life long artist. Tom has been painting off and on since his teen years. Recently, he donated a picture for the Taste of the Town that netted $225 in the live auction. The picture was of a scene from Harker's Island, North Carolina. It is a beautiful picture of fishermen on a boat at a dock. The bidding was spirited for the picture.
Tom, a native of Alabama and a pastor for 40 years, will be married to his wife, Margaret, for fifty years this coming November. They have 3 children and five grandchildren.
Tom's history with CONTACT has spanned 35 years and includes his having served in various capacities. He has served as a counselor during his internship. He worked overnights once a week while completing his masters' degree in counseling and once a month for four years after graduating. Having retired in 1996, he began counseling again and was hired by CONTACT on a contract basis to coordinate the work for the licensed supervisors working with counselors.
When asked what he liked about volunteering, Tom said, "it is always interesting, to say the least". He felt that working the overnights were the most difficult times to cover the HELPLine because that is when the callers had the most difficult issues. He remembers having several suicide calls during the overnights. He feels that he talks to the "frequently callers" most during the early morning and day time; but, "I realize that they really do need someone with a listening ear when they are saying the same thing over and over".
The best feelings come for Tom "when you know you have helped someone think through their issues and you feel that you have helped someone".
Thanks Tom Lee for all you do for Family Services, Inc's CONTACT
HOPElines!
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