Friend to Friend is Here to Help

During the ever-changing landscape of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many victims of interpersonal violence (IPV) experience an increase in domestic violence, leaving victims unsafe at home. In this time of rapid change, we at Friend to Friend are more committed than ever to providing emergency shelter and services without interruption. These unprecedented times have demanded that we continue to offer prevention, intervention, and holistic recovery services and support to domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking victims.

Friend to Friend is the only organization of its kind in Moore County. We are recognized as one of the most outstanding domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking organizations in the state. Our Serenity House has been designated by NCHFA as a model shelter. All of our services are provided free-of-charge, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic or immigration status. Importantly, despite the pandemic, we have continued to provide our full range of life-saving services.

Our 24/7 crisis line remains open, and our advocates are working remotely and available via phone to provide assistance with filing protective orders, answering client questions, and providing counseling and support. We have also created a protocol for our Serenity House to keep our current guests, staff, and new guests safe, while promoting health and healing during this quarantine.

These are just a few examples of how we remain accessible to our community. In the last year Friend to Friend has received over 1,000 crisis line calls, completed over 300 protective orders, and provide more than 2,900 days of safe shelter to our clients. If you are experiencing an increase in emotional abuse and/or violence, please call our free and confidential crisis line  ( 910-947-3333) and talk to a trained support advocate. You are not alone.

Dr. Anne Friesen, Executive Director