Embracing the Challenge
First and foremost, Interact must be able to provide a safe haven for women and children
fleeing violence and trying to break the cycle of abuse. Yet, as Wake County experiences
truly remarkable growth, Interact's ability to adequately meet the needs of families
struggling with abuse in their homes is at risk.
Wake County is currently ranked at the bottom of state and national lists as having the
lowest number of shelter beds per capita. Interact has operated the same 18-bed facility
since 1992, when Wake County's population was 450,000. Today Wake's population has
exploded to almost 800,000. For every family sheltered in 2006, Interact had another
family for whom the Interact shelter was not available.
Together... Building a Safe Place is an ambitious campaign, but absolutely necessary in order
to adequately meet the needs of thousands of families who suffer from family violence
and need our help. By supporting the campaign, you will not only increase available beds
to 45 from the current 18, you will be supporting a new national model for the effective
and efficient delivery of services that will end the cycle of violence.
December 2005
Interact launches its Campaign for a Safe Place. In the first 6 months, more than
$500,000 is raised from a broad cross section of community supporters.
March 2006
Campaign Leadership is finalized. Chris Young (First Citizens Bank) and Josh Stein (NC
Attorney General’s Office) agree to co-chair the effort. Several dozen community
leaders join the effort.
November 2006
Interact and the YWCA announce that they have reached a landmark deal to enable Interact
to purchase 1012 Oberlin Road, a 55,000 square foot facility. The agreement allows for
Interact to meet its growing needs, for the YWCA to maintain a presence in the building
and continue its “Women in Transition” programs, and save this significant community
asset including the pool—which will be leased by the YMCA.
November 2006
SAFE Advisory Committee unveils roadmap for innovative
January 2007
White Memorial becomes a lead supporter of the campaign by selecting Interact as its
major mission effort for 2007. Leaders Roy Cooper and Holly Blanton pledge that more
than $100,000 will be raised from the congregation to support the effort.
Spring 2007
Interact announces the first of six partnerships with area non-profits that will offer
their programs on-site. The collaborative partners are: YMCA of the Triangle, YWCA of
the Greater Triangle, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, Wake Health Services, Legal Aid of North
Carolina, and the Raleigh Police Department.
June 2007
Interact meets the half way point of its campaign, announcing they have raised over $2.5
million towards a $5 million goal.
Fall 2007
Phase one of construction is completed. The YMCA of the Triangle opened its office on
the lower level including a newly renovated aquatic center. Youth programs began
on-site.
Winter 2007
More than $150,000 is raised through grassroots efforts and several supporters who
hosted “house parties” to introduce the campaign to the community.
February 2008
Interact uses “Leap Day” to launch the public phase of its campaign. Several supporters
announce that will take the leap by Acting for InterAct!
Summer 2008
Interact is set to occupy its new headquarters. Through a first-of-its-kind
collaborative effort, Interact will coordinate and implement the launch of a new program
model, transforming how clients receive services.
