Interact, a private, nonprofit United Way agency providing safety, support and awareness to victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, was formed as the result of a merger between three Wake County agencies in the 1980s. Its mission is fulfilled through the support of its volunteers and the community.

With the recent population growth in Wake County, Interact’s Raleigh office formed a committee in 2004 to research how to best serve clients in the southwest region of the county. The committee met with the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, Woman’s Club, Junior Woman’s Club and the Interfaith Alliance, all of which immediately embraced the initiative to extend services.

Using the concept and guidelines established by the National Association of Thrift Stores, it was determined that housing a thrift store in Fuquay would provide community access and guarantee confidentiality in an unobtrusive setting.

“Pass It On, located in downtown Fuquay, opened its doors in 2005. It was so named because no one knows who is coming to shop, donate clothing or receive counseling,” said Laura Hilton, director of community relations. “We have many programs that include 24-hour crisis intervention, child and family services [and] residential support services at a safe, undisclosed shelter for battered women and their children, community education, training and more.”

Damita Chambers, community outreach specialist, emphasized that all services are free and confidential.

Interact receives client referrals from the Southern Regional Center of Wake County Human Services division. Law enforcement and other first responders, having received in-service training, are also able to make referrals when called upon to intercede at the scene of a domestic violence situation.

Women who are in need of services have learned about Interact through various community outreach efforts, including media attention, churches and community-based organizations promoting awareness, at table set-ups at town fairs and festivals and through the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and their Woman’s Club. High school students volunteer as a fulfillment of their required community service hours.

“In addition to services for children, Interact reaches out to 9,000 students in grades three to 12, in the public and private schools of Wake County. We offer age-appropriate material. Curricula inclusive of sessions in self esteem issues and ‘Good Touch, Bad Touch’ brings knowledge to children who often are able to come forward once rapport has been established,” said Hilton.

At the college level, Interact makes presentations at Wake Tech, Meredith, Peace, Shaw, St. Augustine, NCSU, UNC Chapel Hill, Duke and Campbell and offers counseling and internship opportunities. Courses include classes in sexual violence prevention and date rape.

In 2007, Interact created a local authors series, nonspecific to domestic events — a quarterly gathering where writers speak about their work. Light refreshments are served and guests may become acquainted with services Interact makes available.

The next scheduled speaker is WRAL Anchor Amanda Lamb, author of “Deadly Dose.” Lamb will greet listeners on Thursday, Sept. 17, 6-7:30 p.m., at Interact’s Raleigh location at 1012 Oberlin Road.