REACH of Macon County

In North Carolina, 35% of women and 30% of men have experienced physical violence or abuse by an intimate partner. The impact of domestic violence extends far beyond physical harm. Survivors often face ongoing trauma, financial dependence, and barriers to securing stable housing or work. These challenges are part of the reason why interpersonal violence (IPV) services were included in Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP).

Launched in April 2023, the IPV domain of services provides comprehensive support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child maltreatment. This domain is distinct in its overlap with other critical needs. Many survivors are not just escaping violence. When they decide to leave, they also require food, housing, legal support, and time to restore a new sense of safety.

Through HOP, IPV survivors can get coordinated support for many of these needs, ensuring they have the resources they need to leave abusive situations.

REACH of Macon County has been at the forefront of providing these critical IPV services. As one of the first IPV organizations to join HOP, REACH is committed to helping survivors rebuild their lives. They offer emergency shelter, court advocacy, 24-hour call and text lines, and innovative prevention and education programs, all designed to empower survivors to reclaim their independence.

“On average, it can take a survivor up to seven attempts to leave an abusive situation,” Impact Health Community Engagement Manager Mikaila Mills said. “HOP can help shorten this dangerous cycle. By helping with food, first month’s rent and other essentials, it makes it easier for survivors to move to safety.”

Joining HOP has been a game changer for REACH, particularly in the face of funding cuts to IPV services like those provided by the Victims of Crime Act. HOP has become a lifeline, allowing REACH to continue supporting survivors in ways that have a lasting impact.

“[HOP] has allowed us to provide a fairly substantial amount of financial assistance to clients who otherwise would not be able to access support,” said Jennifer Turner-Lynn, assistant director of REACH.

Through HOP, REACH extends crucial services like IPV case management, transportation, access to a food pantry, and housing support across Macon and neighboring counties. This holistic care helps survivors not only regain their independence but also ensures their safety as they transition away from their abusers.

“Because this is a safety issue, it’s important to have experts doing this work like REACH,” Mikaila said. “They understand how vital it is to help clients remain safe when trying to leave their abuser.”

When a client walks through REACH’s doors, they’re often at a turning point in their lives. Many have left abusive homes and shelters and have nothing. REACH’s HOP Coordinator Lynn Lewis takes time to understand each client’s unique needs, working to provide the essentials, whether it’s a place to live or furniture to make that space feel like home.

“Shopping for clients and providing them with the things they need is my favorite part of the job,” Lynn said. “Our clients often leave shelters with nothing, and being able to give them something new and meaningful as they start fresh is incredibly rewarding.”

REACH’s support doesn’t stop once a safe home is secured. Clients continue to receive assistance, whether it’s IPV case management or access to legal support.