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<br />Program Description (3 pages OR LESS)
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<br />d) Summarize the program services and how they will address a Town/County priority/goal.
<br />The OCRCC provides support to survivors of sexual violence (SV), their loved ones, and
<br />professionals who serve them. Our expert staff and trained volunteer Companions provide support,
<br />resources, and referrals through our 24-Hour Help Line. Companions are available at all times to
<br />provide assistance and advocacy as well as to accompany survivors to the hospital, law enforcement,
<br />and court proceedings. We also provide case management for high-need survivors with multiple
<br />concerns (i.e., housing, job training, substance abuse treatment, clothing, food, etc.). We also provide
<br />support groups and workshops. Our innovative support group program, which has served as a model
<br />for agencies across North Carolina, offers both traditional discussion-based groups as well as activity-
<br />based groups utilizing alternative healing methods. And we recently launched our Bilingual Therapy
<br />Program, providing free, on-site, trauma-informed therapy in both English and Spanish. Clients
<br />receive the benefits of individual therapy from licensed mental health professionals while accessing
<br />our range of services, ensuring that survivors have comprehensive support for whatever needs arise
<br />during their unique journey to recovery.
<br />Because our services are free, they are part of the safety net of services for disadvantaged
<br />residents (Priority Area #1). Through an array of service options utilizing best practices in the field,
<br />we aim to improve the health of needy residents (Priority Area #3). Overall, we provide affordable
<br />mental healthcare (CH HS Needs Assessment) in the form of crisis counseling, support groups, and
<br />individual therapy. In addition to providing direct services to survivors of SV and their loved ones, we
<br />coordinate improved services throughout the system of care by facilitating the county-wide Sexual
<br />Assault Response Team, bringing together healthcare providers, law enforcement, public attorneys,
<br />University officials, and other professionals. Through this work, we aim to create a safe community
<br />(OC BOCC Goals) by enhancing the quality of life for all (Carrboro Priorities) and participating in the
<br />community network of basic human services that supports the well-being of all residents (OC BOCC
<br />Goals). Our work seeks to foster a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity (OC BOCC
<br />Goals) by empowering survivors to heal in their own unique way. All our services are free,
<br />confidential, trauma-informed, empowerment-based, and bilingual.
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<br />e) Describe the community need or problem to be addressed in relation to community priorities.
<br />In 2010 the CDC found that 1 in 5 women in the United States are raped in their lifetime. It also found
<br />that nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men experience some other form of sexual violence (SV) such
<br />as coercion, unwanted touch, or harassment. Although local crime statistics on SV are difficult to
<br />obtain for any jurisdiction, our experience corroborates this finding and illustrates the need for
<br />services. In FY2016-2017, the OCRCC served 676 people through 3,613 contacts, meaning we saw
<br />each client an average of 5.34 times. The long-term effects of SV can be profound and may include
<br />depression, anxiety, physical illness, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and
<br />attempts, self-harming behaviors, and more. All of these factors can make it difficult for survivors to
<br />function on a daily basis, obtain and keep a job, and maintain safe housing. For survivors, it may be
<br />difficult to find a therapist who has experience with trauma or, more specifically, sexual vioelnce. Low-
<br />income and Latino survivors may face additional challenges such as financial, transportation,
<br />immigration status, or language barriers. With a lack of accessible mental health resources in our
<br />community, the OCRCC aims to provide comprehensive SV services to support survivors in all
<br />aspects of their healing. We will continue to provide free, accessible, culturally competent short- and
<br />long-term services through our 24-Hour Crisis Response, Support Group, and Therapy programs.
<br />The issue of sexual violence intersects with multiple local priorities, including:
<br /> Safety-net services for disadvantaged residents (CH Priority Area #1)
<br /> Programs aimed at improving health and nutrition of needy residents (CH Priority Area #3)
<br /> Affordable healthcare (CH Human Services Needs Assessment)
<br /> Enhancing and sustaining the quality of life for everyone, particularly around crime and safety
<br />(Carrboro Board Priorities)
<br /> Fostering a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity (OC BOCC Goals)
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