The holidays are often a time when we pause to reflect on what matters most. For many of us, that means thinking about the people we care about, the communities we belong to, and the ways we can make a difference.
At Our Voice, we have been reflecting too. For 51 years, our community has shown up for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking in Western North Carolina. Through support, prevention, and education, that is 51 years of crisis calls answered, survivors accompanied to court and hospitals, and people reminded that they are not alone.
As we move into this season of giving, we want to say thank you to everyone who has helped us build a culture of belonging through respect, prevention, and healthy relationships. None of it would be possible without you.
We also want to invite you to join us, whether for the first time or in a new way.
Thanks to Our Volunteers + Adding Your Voice
Our volunteers are people from all walks of life who share one thing in common: a belief that everyone deserves support, dignity, and care. And we are so grateful for each one of them.
Over the past year, our volunteers completed 190+ hours of training, spent 1,300+ hours on-call, and 170+ hours in the office supporting survivors.
These numbers only tell part of the story: they represent survivors who feel heard and supported. One of our volunteers shared what it means to them:
“Our Voice supports all people who have experienced sexual violence or human trafficking—it feels good to volunteer in real time to connect to people who reach out for assistance and know there are different ways I can support them and the staff.”
Volunteering with Our Voice is about being part of a community that believes in healing, justice, and the power of showing up when it matters most.
If you have ever thought about volunteering but were not sure what it would look like or whether you could do it, we want you to know: you can. And we need you! \
We offer two main volunteer opportunities:
On-Call Crisis Line Volunteers
Being on-call does not mean you need to stay awake all night or put your life on hold. You can be on-call at home, while running errands, or during other parts of your day, as long as you are able to answer your phone and talk privately. You will also need to be within an hour of Mission Hospital in case you need to respond to a hospital accompaniment.
In-Office Crisis Line Volunteers
If you prefer a more structured setting, in-office shifts might be a better fit. These shifts are shorter, and you will be surrounded by other advocates and staff members who can offer support and community. Many volunteers say that being in the office helps them feel connected to the work and to the people doing it.
Whether you choose on-call or in-office shifts, you will receive training and ongoing support. You will never be asked to do this work alone.
Donors Building a Safer Future with Us
If volunteers are the front line of Our Voice, donors are the foundation. We’re so grateful for the people in our community that believe in this work and choose to invest in it.
These financial gifts make it possible for us to answer the crisis line 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They fund advocacy services like prevention education programs, hospital and court accompaniments, and the comprehensive training and support our volunteers need to do this work.
We thank donors at every level for standing with survivors and saying, “I believe you. You are not alone. You deserve support.”
This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of Support
Now, as we enter the holiday season, we know they can be a complicated time for many people. And the holidays do not pause the need for survivor support.
That’s why we are asking you to give in a way that makes a difference in a way that fits your life. Whether you give your time as a volunteer or your resources as a donor, you are helping to ensure that no one in our community has to face violence or trauma alone.
And if you are not ready to do either of those things yet, that is okay too. You can still help by sharing our work with others, following us on social media, or simply keeping survivors in your thoughts as we end the year.