2017-589-E Finance - Orange County Rape Crisis Center - Outside Agency Performance Agreement

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DocuSign Envelope ID: E85EF868-A4BB-49ED-96E1-165F3DADBAE4 XHIBIT A PROVIDER'S OUTSIDE AGENCY APPLICATION Program Description (3 pages OR L SS) Please provide the following information about the proposed program: d) Summarize the program services and how they will address a Town/County priority/goal. The Orange County Rape Crisis Center(OCRCC) provides support to survivors of sexual violence (SV), their loved ones, and professionals who serve them. Our expert staff and trained volunteer Companions provide emotional support, resources, and referrals through our 24-Hour Help Line. Companions are available at all times to provide assistance and advocacy as well as to acco pany survivors to the hospital, law enforcement, and court proceedings. We also provide case management for high-need survivors with multiple concerns, For example, we have connected survivors with resources for emergency and long-term housing, job training, substance abuse treat ent, clothing, food, and more, For long-term support, we provide support groups and workshops for SV survivors and their loved ones. Our innovative support group program, which has served as a model for agencies across North Carolina, offers both traditional discussion-based groups as well as activity-based groups utilizing alternative healing methods. All our services are free, confidential, and offered in both English and Spanish. We also hope to secure funding to restore our Bilingual Therapy program, Mental healthcare is extremely difficult to access, particularly for SV survivors, who may have difficulty finding a therapist who has experience with trauma or, more specifically, sexual violence. Low-income and Latino survivors may face additional challenges such as financial, transportation, immigration status, or language barriers. Even with our partnerships with other service agencies (e.g., El Futuro) and private therapists, there remains a significant lack of accessible and affordable therapeutic resources in our community. Our free therapy program will provide crucial long-term healing resources to even the most marginalized members of our community. Research shows that psychotherapy successfully reduces negative health outcomes as it reduces post-traumatic stress, PTSD symptoms, anxiety and depression; teaches relaxation & anger-control skills; promotes better sleep, diet & exercise; develops active coping skills; encourages resolution of trauma; and improves overall quality of life. Therapy provided through a community-based rape crisis center offers these benefits while increasing accessibility by utilizing resources the OCRCC can provide such as administrative assistance, program support, and access to public transportation. Additionally, our range of core victim services such as 24-hour crisis intervention and support groups ensures that survivors have comprehensive support for whatever needs arise during their unique journey to recovery. Because our services are free, they are part of the safety net of services for disadvantaged residents (Priority Area #1). Through an array of counseling options utilizing best practices in the field, we aim to improve the health of needy residents (Priority Area #3). Overall, our Client Services program provides affordable mental healthcare (CH HS Needs Assessment) in the form of crisis counseling and support groups as well as by connecting clients to reduced fee and pro bono therapy through our soon-to-be-opened in-house Therapy Program or our existing community therapy referral database. In addition to providing direct services to survivors of SV and their loved ones, we coordinate improved services throughout the system of care by facilitating the county-wide Sexual Assault Response Team, bringing together healthcare providers, law enforcement, public attorneys, University officials, and other professionals. Through this work, we aim to create a safe community (OC :OCC Goals) by enhancing the quality of life for all (Carrboro Priorities) and participating in the community network of basic human services that supports the well-being of all residents (OC BOCC Goals). Our work seeks to foster a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity (OC BOCC Goals) by empowering survivors to heal in their own unique way. Agency Information 1/30/2017 5:14:05 PM ^!