In late fall of 2008, Outer Banks Hotline was asked by the Governor’s Crime Commission and the North Carolina Council for Women and Domestic Violence Commission to provide emergency services to victims of domestic violence and sexual victimization in the neighboring counties of Hyde and Tyrrell.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hotline General Business Office: 252-473-5121

 

Established in 1980, Hotline is a mature program ready to share its expertise and success. Since its inception Hotline has grown and developed strong programs to provide emergency assistance for victims of domestic violence and sexual victimization, including a 24-hour crisis phone line, safe shelter, advocacy with the courts and law enforcement, support groups, accompaniment with sexual assault victims for forensic exams, and referral for counseling and/or legal representation. Hotline also offers an array of prevention education programs appropriate for school, church and civic groups as well as materials to share with adults and youths. Hotline has developed many community partnerships to share information about domestic violence and sexual victimization intervention and prevention including training opportunities for law enforcement, social workers, health care providers and teachers. Hotline offers a state-certified abuser treatment program. Finally, Hotline has a Displaced Homemaker Program that assists adult women with achieving independence through education and training opportunities, budgeting, building social networks and support groups. A current Hotline project is to partner with the faith community to provide a safety net for families and individuals in crisis due to abusive and destructive relationships and family dynamics.  

 

Hotline is supported by grants, contributions and fundraisers. The largest and most visible fundraiser is our thrift shop operation. With the opening of the Swan Quarter and Columbia stores, Hotline is operating seven thrift shops. These shops provide low-cost good quality clothing, furniture and household items, as well as opportunities for community supporters to donate unwanted items and volunteer their time to support Hotline's crisis intervention and prevention programs. The thrift shops provide visibility and stability for Hotline as well as a steady source of operating income. In Hyde and Tyrrell, this income is essential to offset office rent, utilities, phone service and other supplies. Income from these stores will remain in the Hyde and Tyrrell communities to fund important services and programs. Grant requests to the Governor’s Crime Commission have been approved for the next funding cycle and grants have been written and submitted to the NC Council for Women and Domestic Violence Commission to expand the first steps of establishing a grassroots program to serve Hyde and Tyrrell. This larger, continuous presence in Hyde and Tyrrell will lay a firm foundation for the formation of a grassroots non-profit organization that will be Outer Banks Hotline’s little sister until she can stand on her own.

 

If you are interested in becoming involved, there are many ways: