24 Hr Crisis Line

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Our VOICE inspires hope and healing while ending sexual violence and human trafficking through education, counseling, and advocacy.

We serve survivors of sexual violence, age 13 through adult, in Buncombe County.

24 Hr Crisis Line

Our Voice Celebrates 50 Years of Service!

 Tickets Available Here

Fifty years is a long time, and we want to celebrate! Not only has our organization grown and changed in that time, but so has the world around us. We want to applaud all the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers throughout the years, while also looking ahead to the changing needs of survivors and the anti-violence movement.

Join us for a night of celebration featuring heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, dancing, and more.

“We are beyond excited for this Golden anniversary, as it’s an impressive milestone for any non-profit organization,” says Our VOICE Executive Director Rita Sneider-Cotter. “It’s especially important to us because it marks 50 years of having resources in place to support survivors and working to prevent future acts of sexual violence.”

Our Voice is a local non-profit crisis intervention and prevention agency that serves survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking, ages 13 through adult, in Buncombe County. The agency was founded in 1974 as an all-volunteer grassroots organization and remained underground until August 1983 when Our Voice received 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit agency and the first employee was hired. In 2016, the org added human trafficking to its mission.

Now, 50 years and considerable growth later, Our Voice employs more than a dozen paid staff, has a dedicated board of directors, and many individuals and groups who contribute to the cause.

Celebrating Our Programs

  • Our Voice has maintained an 24-hour crisis line since our inception in 1974.
  • Our Voice provides free one-on-one counseling sessions addressing trauma, while promoting healing and personal empowerment.
  • We have a bi-lingual bi-cultural counselor who serves Spanish-speaking survivors across WNC.
  • Our crisis advocates act as a bridge to medical, legal, and social service systems for survivors. We provide ongoing support through court advocacy, ensuring no one is left to navigate the legal system alone.
  • Our Voice offers a variety of innovative educational programs that are evidence-informed and based in current best practices for maximum impact to a range of populations.
  • For the past 8 years, Our Voice has partnered with local breweries and bars in the month of April to raise funds and bring more attention to National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

Understanding Challenges Ahead

While the organization has grown and evolved, so have the systemic challenges facing all survivors. Issues like housing, transportation, poverty, inflation, addiction, mental health, racism, access and affordability of healthcare, and more have amplified and made this work even more challenging.

“As we look ahead, the work does not get easier, but the need continues,” Sneider-Cotter said. “Ending sexual violence and trafficking is a community effort and the more people who are aware of these issues and who want to make a difference, the better.”

In addition, declining federal and state funding through VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) and VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) has also created fiscal gaps for the organization to overcome. This fundraising event and birthday party mark an opportunity for anyone to get involved and have a good time with delicious food, dancing, and community connections.

“Asheville has always offered overwhelming support for our work, and we are so grateful for that generosity,” Sneider-Cotter said. “We look forward to celebrating with everyone who has made this work possible.”

Here’s to fifty years of making a difference and many more to come!

About the Event

Held at Plēb Urban Winery, from 6:00-9:00 PM on Saturday, April 27, 2024

As we reflect on our journey, guests will have the opportunity to hear from key figures from Our Voice’s history, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and dance to the cool rhythms of the Free Flow Band as we honor the past and embrace the future. Don’t miss this incredible night to  great celebrate Our Voice’s unwavering commitment to the survivors in our community.

 

We Are Still Here For You During These Uncertain Times

As we continue to receive updates regarding coronavirus, Our VOICE would like to inform survivors, community partners and supporters that we are making temporary changes to our services in order to minimize the risk of transmission of the virus. Until further notice, Our VOICE’s services will reflect the following:

  • Crisis Hotline:  Our crisis line will operate as usual, 24/7 at 828-255-7576 
  • FJC Walk-in Services: Walk-in services at the Family Justice Center at 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville, NC 28801 are still available and will require a COVID-19 screening upon arrival.  Call our crisis line at 828-255-7576 for more information. 
  • Individual Counseling Services:  Counselors are providing individual counseling remotely, via Simple Practice. Please call our office at 828-252-0562 or our crisis line at 828-255-7576 to start the counseling referral process or to connect with your counselor. 
  • Support Groups: Groups are being offered virtually via secure telehealth. Please contact counseling@ourvoicenc.org for more information about our current groups!
  • Legal Advocacy: Court advocacy and law enforcement advocacy services will be offered on a limited basis. Please call our office at 828-252-0562 or our crisis line at 828-255-7576 to start a request for legal advocacy services or to connect with your advocate.
  • Case Management: Case management services (including anti-human trafficking case management) will be offered remotely, either online or via phone. Please call our office at 828-252-0562 or our crisis line at 828-255-7576 to request case management services or to connect with your current case manager.
  • Forensic Evaluations & Medical Consultations:  Forensic examination with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is available at no cost to survivors at the Family Justice Center, Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5:00 pm and does not require reporting with law enforcement. In-person medical advocacy is available for survivors presenting at the Family Justice Center, please call 828-252-0562 for more information.  Medical advocacy is being offered vis secure telehealth for survivors presenting at Mission Hospital.
  • Prevention Education: Virtual and in-person programming are available for both youth and adult prevention education. Learn more.

Our VOICE takes an intersectional, person-centered approach to support survivors and prevent future acts of sexual violence.

Donations

If you are interested in making a monetary donation, we would encourage you to make it here or for you to contact us at 828-252-0562 or email us. Our VOICE depends on community support, and your donation today will ensure that vital services are available during this time.

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