Do you remember those performers Captain Kangaroo and Ed Sullivan used to have on? You know, the ones who would spin plates on top of lots of sticks…That’s what Lisa Crossett reminds me of.

Lisa is the indispensable officer who works in the Control Center at WKCC and is responsible for signing in volunteers as we enter the facility at Fredonia. When the group arrives there are often three more things going on, all in a small space. The snack guy is there, checking in; inmates are checking out to go to a medical facility and others are coming on to the compound from the minimum security section for some reason; other officers need a special key for something: it’s a circus. Then, eight or nine volunteers from Freedom Forever arrive to sign in.

Lisa handles it all with aplomb. And reminds everyone of their specific requirements. Although she’s only worked at her post in the Control Center for 1 ½ years, Lisa is like a ring master guiding all the functions that go on there. She has been married to her husband for almost 30 years and they have one daughter. A fairly recent addition is a grandson who sometimes stays with her and is her delight. He takes up a lot of her off duty time in an enjoyable way. Lisa has had a recent loss…but a good one. She’s lost 115 pounds!

As a volunteer, I’m so grateful to see Lisa in the control room, because I know she’ll be patient when we forget things and is always looking to see what she can do to help us. God uses her everyday! Praise Him!

- Julia Thompson