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Reach Out
Written By: Donna Rhodes | Issue: 2016/03 - March
The Japanese say you have three faces – the one you show the world; the one you show your family and friends; and the one you never show anyone.
If you know someone who is sexually or physically abused, chances are you are seeing only their first face. It would be too humiliating to reveal his/her true identity. Ironically a victim often defends their abuser to perpetuate the facade. It makes no sense to friends and family. Why don’t they just leave?
Twenty-six years ago, the founders of REACH (Resources, Education, Assistance, Counseling, and Housing) of Macon County understood this conundrum and opened an agency to assist women, children, and men who were fleeing domestic and sexual violence. REACH provides outreach and services in both Macon and Jackson counties that include a 24-hour crisis line, safety planning, crisis counseling, court advocacy, medical accompaniment, emergency housing, and educational services to support victims through the entire process of physical, mental, and emotional recovery. REACH also offers specialized services including a Latino outreach program, elder abuse resources, and child advocacy. In addition, REACH offers Violence Prevention Education at local schools for students in 5th through 9th grades, and assists clients in achieving long-term stability and self-sufficiency through the New Choices program which offers goal planning, educational counseling, employment readiness, and other life skills.
After years of service to Macon County, the REACH Board and Staff kicked off a capital campaign to build a 10-bedroom shelter to accommodate victims and their children. Thanks to the generous donations from the VanDrake Enterprises, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency, private funders, and community donors, the shelter will be inaugurated March 3.
How can you help? Volunteer, donate money or goods (go online and view their wish list registry), buy items at Reach for Bargains, get your club or church group to adopt REACH as a service mission, or visit them at their grand opening.
To learn more about the new facility and other REACH programs contact Executive Director Andrea Anderson at (828) 369-5544 in Macon County; or Jackson County, (828) 586-8969. You can also visit reachofmaconcounty.org.
