GLASGOW, Ky. — Survivors of domestic violence in Barren County and across south-central Kentucky will soon have expanded access to advocacy services through a new mobile response unit operated by Barren River Area Safe Space, Inc.

BRASS announced it will launch a Domestic Violence Mobile Advocacy Response Unit that will bring crisis intervention, safety planning, legal advocacy and referrals directly to survivors throughout its 10-county service area.

The project was made possible through a $68,000 Growth Grant from the Women’s Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central Kentucky and a discounted vehicle purchase through Camping World.

The unit, a Sunseeker 1950LE, is expected to begin operating by mid-June.

According to BRASS CEO Tori Henninger, the mobile unit is intended to help overcome one of the largest challenges facing survivors in the region.

“Many survivors live in rural communities far from our shelter, our offices and the services they need to rebuild their lives,” Henninger said in a news release. “This mobile unit will allow our trained advocates to bring trauma-informed support directly to those survivors.”

BRASS serves Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson and Warren counties through a 31-bed emergency shelter, satellite offices and other support programs.

The organization said distance remains a significant barrier for many survivors seeking help. The Barren River Area Development District spans nearly 4,000 square miles, making it the second-largest area development district in Kentucky.

The mobile unit will allow advocates to travel throughout the region and provide confidential support in local communities, reducing the need for survivors to travel long distances to access services.

BRASS plans to partner with local chambers of commerce to host ribbon-cutting events in each of the counties it serves. The first event is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 30 at the Franklin Public Concert Hall and Park in Simpson County.

Founded in 1980, BRASS provides emergency shelter, a 24-hour crisis line, legal advocacy, economic empowerment services and community education programs. The organization serves nearly 3,000 survivors each year.

Anyone seeking assistance can contact BRASS’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-928-1183.