REACH strives for no 'bunny' to be abused

By Rose Hooper

For the past 25 years REACH of Jackson County has worked to reduce those number locally.

"We've been quiet successful, and this year, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we are also celebrating our successes," said Jean Bochstahler, executive director of the non-profit dedicated to zero tolerance of domestic violence and sexual assault in Jackson County.

In the formative years of the organization, volunteers organized a crisis hotline and sheltered battered women in their own homes. Support from law enforcement was minimal, and many officers in Western North Carolina chose not to get involved, considering the issue "a family matter."

In the early 1980s REACH received grant funding and hired a full-time director. In 1986 a legal advocate was added to the staff. Arrangements were made with local motels to house victims for three nights.

"But then the victims had to make other housing arrangements for themselves and their children, and because of finances, the majority simply returned to their abuser," said Jean Bochstahler.

In 1988, the board of directors purchased a house in Sylva to serve as a shelter home. This opened up an entirely new level of services to battered women and their children. A client could stay for up to 90 days and receive counseling, legal advocacy, the support of other women, intensive referral assistance and time to heal and make decisions.

In 1995 REACH developed an initiative to help women enter the job market, improve their education and job skills, reduce dependency of social services and move toward economic self-sufficiency.

In 2001 REACH constructed and opened REACH Village, which includes transitional housing. While living in a safe, structured system of support for up to two years, women and their children can develop productive life styles.

"In the beginning REACH focused on protecting victims," said Bochstahler. "Now we can focus on empowering them."