New nonprofit launches to support survivors in Kane and Garfield Counties

A new nonprofit orga­nization has launched to provide local, trau­ma-informed support services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Kane and Garfield counties.

REACH Survivor Services, operating locally as Kane County Survivor Services, was formed in response to what its founders describe as longstand­ing gaps in survivor services in rural south­ern Utah. The orga­nization is based in Glendale and serves both Kane and Garfield counties.

According to the or­ganization, a 2025 review of law enforce­ment and crisis-call data highlighted un­met needs for survi­vors in the region, particularly in rural communities where geographic isolation, limited resources and lack of local education can make it difficult for individuals to seek help safely and confi­dentially.

REACH Survivor Services provides support at no cost to survivors and em­phasizes confidential, trauma-informed care. Services include 24- hour crisis response, emergency safe hous­ing and transportation and victim advocacy. Advocacy services may include hospital response, assistance with protective orders, accompaniment dur­ing court or law en­forcement processes, relocation support, help meeting basic needs, safety planning and referrals to local resources.

The organization also connects survivors with counseling refer­rals and long-term healing resources and plans to offer com­munity education and prevention programs aimed at reducing vio­lence and increasing awareness. Organiz­ers emphasized that services are survivor-centered and designed to meet individuals where they are, with safety and privacy as core priorities.

Founders Mercy Stout and Stacey Bar­on said they bring nearly two decades of combined experi­ence working along­side survivors. They noted that while na­tional and state-level resources exist, the absence of consistent, locally based services has left some residents without timely or ac­cessible support.

In addition to di­rect services, REACH Survivor Services is seeking partnerships with local organiza­tions, businesses and community groups. As a newly formed nonprofit, the organi­zation relies on com­munity support to fund services and expand outreach. Leaders said collaboration will be key to ensuring survi­vors across the region can access help when they need it.

More information about services, refer­rals and ways to sup­port the organization is available at reach­survivors.org