SAFE meets state officials to advocate for programs

Melissa Smith from SAFE recently traveled to Raleigh to meet with State Rep. Mike Clampitt and State Sen. Kevin Corbin to discuss the ongoing needs of domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in Transylvania County and to advocate for continued support of programs that address both immediate crisis and long-term healing.

During these individual meetings, according to a news release, Smith shared updates on SAFE’s work, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, crisis response and community education efforts, and spoke to the unique challenges facing rural service providers. Smith also emphasized the vital role that state partnerships play in maintaining and expanding these services.

In addition to these meetings, SAFE was represented at a statewide event in Raleigh on June 4, when Smith participated in the Healthy Opportunities Pilot Advocacy Day. The event brought together HOP partners from across North Carolina to raise awareness about the pilot’s impact and encourage continued legislative support. The day began with participants sharing powerful client stories that illustrated the real-life impact of the HOP program. These stories highlighted how access to housing, transportation, nutritious food, and interpersonal safety through the program has helped improve health outcomes and overall stability for vulnerable North Carolinians.

Following these testimonials, the group met with Rep. Dudley Green to discuss the continued need for non-medical services within the Medicaid system. Later in the morning they met with Rep. Timothy Reeder, who expressed his support for the program and shared his understanding of how vital it is for addressing long standing gaps in care, especially for individuals in rural and underserved communities.

Advocates were also recognized for their work on the floor of both chambers of the General Assembly. They attended a session of the North Carolina House of Representatives where legislators acknowledged the contributions of HOP partners across the state. Later that day, the group was also recognized on the floor of the North Carolina Senate, further affirming the significance of their work in communities across North Carolina, according to a news release.

The day concluded with advocates delivering fresh North Carolina peaches to 170 legislators, a symbol of the importance of healthy eating and a thank you for lawmakers’ time, attention and continued support of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, according to the release.

“These visits allow us to build relationships with our elected officials and ensure they understand what’s happening in their districts. We are grateful to Rep. Clampitt and Sen. Corbin for taking the time to listen and engage,” said Smith.

Submitted photo

SAFE’s Melissa Smith (left) advocated for her nonprofit and others during the trip to Raleigh.