Recently, members of United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Women United donor society had the opportunity to tour the Crisis Center, a UWCA partner agency. Established in 1971 and affiliated with United Way since 1973, the Crisis Center provides crisis intervention services in the broad context as well as support specifically for sexual assault survivors and those recovering from addiction. The organization serves the Greater Birmingham area consisting of Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties.
Although the Crisis Center shares a building with United Way, it operates independently, benefiting from the partnership while maintaining its distinct mission. The tour, led by Executive Director Ana Sullivan, began in the center’s boardroom, where informational posters detailed its history and services.
Sullivan emphasized the center’s rich history, noting, “Many people don’t realize how long the Crisis Center has been around. We started in the basement of City Hall, driven by concerned citizens who saw the need for a place people could turn to when they had nowhere else to go.”
As the tour moved into the conference room, Sullivan explained the center’s evolution. The Crisis Center now offers eight distinct programs and operates a 24/7 local crisis and suicide line, providing immediate support from local experts. She emphasized the line’s importance, noting, “When people are in crisis, they often struggle with problem-solving and see situations very black and white.” Sullivan said the center aims to offer hope and reassurance to callers that they are not alone.
Daisy Delmore, a 988 coordinator, explained that if the local line is busy, calls automatically roll over to the national 988 center, ensuring that support is always available. This service is especially crucial for youth, who often face unique challenges requiring specialized assistance.
The Crisis Center also plays a crucial role in supporting sexual assault survivors by providing survivors with access to a private entrance to maintain confidentiality and dignity. The center features a dedicated bathroom with an accessible shower and hygiene products, as well as a private examination room staffed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). (That’s a designation for a Registered Nurse with specialized training to assist survivors of sexual violence.)
“Our support extends beyond immediate medical care and counseling,” said Kristin Rezek, SANE coordinator. “We help survivors understand their options and provide emotional support throughout the reporting process and legal proceedings.” Additionally, the Crisis Center works closely with local hospitals and law enforcement to ensure survivors receive compassionate, comprehensive care.
For one member of Women United, the issue hits close to home. As a former foster parent, she deeply values the accessible resources provided by the Crisis Center. “It’s wonderful to see how the center addresses various aspects of crisis support,” she said. “The more people know about these services, the more effectively we can share them.”
The tour of the Crisis Center provided Women United members with an insightful view into a vital part of our community’s support system. By observing the center’s comprehensive care and dedicated services up close, they deepened their appreciation for the significance of their advocacy and involvement. This experience reinforced Women United’s mission to educate and empower women to become effective change-makers within our community.
For more information about United Way’s work to support mental health, visit https://www.uwca.org/impact/mental-health/.
