When Laura* arrived at OASIS in the North Carolina High Country, she had just experienced a physical assault at the hands of her husband. Having limited fluency in English, she was extremely nervous and in need of information about how to feel safe navigating her options — including where to live. Thanks to the recent addition of a Spanish-speaking Language Access Advocate at OASIS,
Laura was able to receive guidance in her native language about her rights as well as her available resources, which included OASIS providing her and her family with temporary emergency shelter. This timely and culturally sensitive response — along with steadfast support and translation through Laura’s longer-term housing search and court and custody proceedings — helped guide her and her family to a violence-free life. Dogwood was proud to provide an $88,160 grant for OASIS to assist with housing support and language access for clients.
OASIS is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga and Avery counties by providing comprehensive emergency services, transitional support and a safe environment for survivors.
*Name changed for confidentiality.
