Ashley furniture homestore helps community

Escaping situations of sexual assault or domestic violence is traumatic enough. Women in these situations need somewhere to turn to help with the aftermath, and that's where REACH comes in. Task Force on Family Violence/REACH, Inc. (REACH) provides 24 hour crisis counseling, temporary shelter, support groups, court accompaniment and a host of other services for victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. REACH also helps in the aftercare, offering support in finding employment and developing job skills.

REACH also works within the community, conducting school programs such as presentations on child sexual abuse prevention and identification, dating violence and date rape. Programs target different age group and information is available for community education.

With a mission to work "to end domestic violence, sexual assault and employment obstacles for women through service, advocacy

and education", REACH has its collective hands full. As all services are confidential and free of charge, the organization needs funds from outside sources to keep its services available for those in need. REACH operates a thrift shop at 115 Tennessee Street in Murphy (next to NAPA Auto Parts) to earn some of its funds, but private donations are always appreciated and useful.

Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Murphy was delighted to make REACH the latest recipient of its Ashley Cares donation. Ashley Cares was created as an opportunity for local Ashley Furniture HomeStores to give back to their communities. The Ashley Furniture HomeStore in Murphy recently donated $1,000 to REACH to assist in its noble cause. [Pictured, left to right: Stephen Roach/Co-Manager, Vicky Taylor/REACH, Inc.- Director, G.W. Hendrix/Co- Manager]

"Ashley Furniture HomeStore is delighted that we

are able to make this donation to assist with such a worthy and necessary cause," said Darryl Rose, Ashley Furniture HomeStore licensee. "We hope that our donation serves to inspire other members of the community to help as well."

REACH offers many opportunities to assist. Volunteers are needed to speak out against domestic violence and sexual assault or to sponsor a presentation at your civic or church group. Donations of clothing and household items are needed at the shelter, and those items may also be donated to the thrift shop for resale. Don't forget that shopping at the thrift shop also supports REACH!

Financial donations are very appreciated and needed. Contact REACH to make a donation or to include REACH in your estate planning at: Task Force on Family Violence/REACH, Inc., P.O. Box 977, Murphy, NC 28906 or by phone at (828) 837-8064.