REACH of Haywood County
Micah McClure design
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a time to honor survivors, remember those lost to violence and recommit to building a community where everyone feels safe and valued. For nearly four decades, REACH of Haywood County has been doing exactly that: working quietly but persistently to make Haywood County a safer, stronger place to live.
Next year marks REACH’s 40th anniversary, a milestone that celebrates thousands of lives rebuilt and countless acts of courage, compassion and community care. Though REACH serves survivors of sexual assault, elder abuse and human trafficking, the vast majority of the clients who walk through its doors are experiencing or escaping domestic violence. Behind every statistic is a story of survival — and a community that refuses to look away.
Public awareness through action
Raising awareness has always been central to REACH’s mission. Over the years, the organization has hosted creative and moving events such as “You Don’t Own Me,” “Love Sings Out” and “Take a Walk in Her Shoes.”
From symbolic dove releases to the “Happy Families” quilt created by second-graders at Clyde Elementary, each event has given voice to hope and healing. Some have featured powerful testimonies — like that of Guy Maxwell, who shared his story of growing up with an abusive father, nearly killing his wife and ultimately choosing to change.
REACH has also worked closely with local churches and faith leaders, offering workshops such as “What Women of Faith Need to Know About Family Violence” and “Understanding Family Violence: What Our Churches Can Do.” One family-friendly event, “A Family Walk of Peace,” even invited participants to bring their dogs — because peace, love and healing should be accessible to all.
Help in the darkest hours
For survivors of domestic violence, REACH is often the first phone call — and the last hope.
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Jennifer Hannah, a preschool teacher and mother of two, remembers the night she finally reached out. After her husband strangled her into unconsciousness in front of their children, she called REACH.
“They picked me up in the middle of the night,” she said. “I realized the life I was living wasn’t the one God intended for me. I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life just surviving — I needed to teach my children how to thrive.”
Jennifer is one of thousands of survivors REACH has supported with emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling, and crisis intervention. For many, that first call marks the beginning of a new life.
Advocating for survivors of sexual violence
REACH’s services also extend to survivors of sexual assault. Victim advocates like Cody Stiles guide survivors through the complex maze of medical, legal and emotional needs that follow an assault.
“Sometimes a survivor doesn’t know the language of the legal or medical systems,” Stiles explained. “She might not even know what help is available. We do — and we help her find it. The goal is always to support her, no matter what that looks like.”
This individualized, trauma-informed advocacy helps survivors reclaim control and begin to heal on their own terms.
Teaching the next generation
REACH doesn’t just respond to crises — it works to prevent them.
For years, community educator Buffy Queen has brought REACH’s “Safe Dates” program to Haywood County middle and high schools. These sessions teach students about healthy communication, respect, boundaries, and consent.
After one class, a student left a handwritten note on Queen’s desk revealing that she had been sexually assaulted just the day before. The note led to an investigation and to the student receiving support.
“I don’t know if they were prosecuted,” Queen said softly. “But I do know that the student may never have had the courage to speak up if that class hadn’t been held.”
These early interventions save lives and help stop the cycle of abuse before it begins.
A force for prevention and healing
Diane Phillips, who has worked with REACH since 2013, believes the organization’s strength lies in its multi-layered approach.
“We’re not just a rescue squad,” she said. “We’re also prevention.”
REACH’s quiet power lies in that balance — responding to crises while creating long-term safety through education, advocacy and community partnerships. Whether helping a mother find safety, guiding a teen through trauma or supporting an older adult experiencing abuse, REACH continues to build a safer, stronger Haywood County for all.
A call to community
REACH’s work may not always make headlines, but its impact ripples through generations. Every life reclaimed, every student educated, every story heard — these are the true measures of progress.
Next year, as REACH celebrates 40 years of service, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to create a community where everyone can live free from violence and fear.
Supporting REACH isn’t just charity — it’s an investment in the health, safety and unity of our community.
(Lisa Kirkpatrick is a volunteer at REACH of Haywood County)
As REACH approaches its 40th anniversary, the organization marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month by reaffirming its mission to help survivors rebuild their lives and create a safer, stronger Haywood County.
From now until Dec. 31, all monetary donations to REACH will be matched up to $60,000 from the Flora T. Webb Trust, stewarded by the Maple Grove United Methodist Church. If you were thinking about donating to a good cause, double your impact and donate today. To learn more or to support REACH’s mission, visit reachofhaywood.org or call 828.456.7898.
