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Publisher’s note: “On a Positive Note” is a new feature on the Cherokee Scout’s opinions page to give credit where it’s due. If you have a person or group you’d like to recommend, email dbrown@cherokeescout.com.
There was a time when there wasn’t a Reach of Cherokee County. A time when people facing domestic abuse and violence had few places to turn for help getting out of those toxic relationships. A time when the closest place to receive adequate services was Asheville.
Not today. Since being established in 1983, Reach has only grown stronger, especially in recent years under the leadership of Director Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner and good people serving on the board of directors, who recently expanded the nonprofit agency’s service area into Graham County.
The numbers sadly reflect the need. In 2023, Reach received 4,624 crisis calls affecting 799 women, 129 men and 120 children, with 222 sexual assaults reported.
How can you help? February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, and today is Wear Orange Day to make a statement using the hashtag #orange4lovereachofcherokeecounty. Valentine’s Day Sweet Boxes can be ordered at the Reach office for delivery on Feb. 14, when a Valentine’s Day Community Night will also be held at Downtown Pizza in Murphy.
And if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please encourage them to call the Reach crisis line at 828-837-8064. The call is confidential, and you will talk with someone trained to deal with these kind of situations. Thanks to the fine folks at Reach, you are not alone.
– Publisher David Brown