A lifeline will shut down after 38 years of advice, comfort –

In January 1971, the telephone ministry then known as “CONTACT Winston-Salem” received its 10,000th call, less than a year after it started.

And for 38 years, volunteers for the service, now called HELPline and run by Family Services Inc., provided a listening ear to those suffering from stress, substance abuse and other mental-health problems.

Next Friday, HELPline will silence its phone lines.