First Light Needs Community Support During Holidays

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The holidays can be an especially challenging time for those who are survivors of sexual assault, child abuse and their families. First Light, who serves this community year around, is working to raise funds and awareness this time of year.

From special shopping trips for children, to fund raising to a New Year’s Eve gala to increase support, First Light is asking the community to join in the efforts this year.

Through collaboration, education, advocacy, and treatment services in Anderson and Oconee Counties, First Light is a nonprofit agency that encompasses three programs: Sexual Trauma Center, Child Advocacy Center, and Prevent Child Abuse.

The history of the organization exhibits those three functions.

Foothills Alliance was formed when three agencies were merged in July 2001. Prior to the merger, the Sexual Trauma Center, known then as Foothills Rape Crisis Center (founded in 1989), operated for 11 years as an independent non-profit agency providing 24-hour crisis intervention services to residents of Anderson and Oconee counties.

Before merging with the Alliance, Prevent Child Abuse had been in existence since 1990, run solely by volunteers in the community. The Child Advocacy Center was a new program that was developed in 2001 and became part of Foothills that same year.

In 2023, Foothills Alliance is becoming First Light: A Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Resource Center. First Light’s services include a 24 hour-7-days-a-week crisis hotline, emergency room advocacy, an active and vital volunteer program, treatment and advocacy for survivors of abuse and assault, professional training for the community partners, a full range of clinical services provided by master’s-level counselors, abuse prevention education, and community and school education and awareness programs.

All services are provided at no cost to clients.

For more information, visit here.