Hope Harbor marks 40 years of service in Barren County

GLASGOW, KY – Hope Harbor is celebrating  40 years of service to survivors of sexual violence in south-central Kentucky.

The nonprofit, which began in the 1980s as part of the anti-rape movement, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon in Glasgow to commemorate the occasion.

Over the years, Hope Harbor has expanded its services to include a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, education and prevention programs, and most recently, texting services. Since its founding, the organization has assisted more than 12,000 survivors.

Executive Director Melissa Whitley says the continued support of the community is vital to ensuring Hope Harbor’s mission carries forward.

“The way that we can continue on for the next 40 years is having community support,” Whitley said. “Having people talk about sexual assault being an issue in our community. We always need people to volunteer and donate so we can continue to provide free services for survivors and their friends and family.”

Hope Harbor is located at 204 North Race Street in Glasgow.