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COLUMBUS—On Thursday, February 20, the Carolina Foothills Chamber of Commerce held its monthly Business After Hours event at the Steps to Hope Administration Office at 60 Ward Street. The gathering allowed local business owners and community members to network and learn about Steps to Hope’s vital services.

Steps to Hope provides safety and assistance to individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual abuse. The organization has roots stretching back to the summer of 1984 when a task force formed by the Thermal Belt Business and Professional Women sought to address the growing issues related to domestic violence in Columbus. Their efforts highlighted the need for a mission-specific prevention program in the area.

Initially established with just one employee, Steps to Hope has grown significantly. Today, it employs seven full-time and seven part-time staff members, all trained to handle cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Governed by an 11-member board, Steps to Hope is recognized as the official agency for domestic violence and sexual assault in the region. Their comprehensive services include a safe emergency shelter for women, men, and children, court advocacy, counseling, support groups for survivors, and offender-intervention classes. Additionally, Steps to Hope promotes education in local middle and high schools and hosts ongoing community awareness events.

“Thank you to Steps of Hope for hosting February’s Business After Hours,” said Chamber Marketing Manager Olivia Whiteside. “Everyone enjoyed learning about their organization and had a great time connecting and meeting our new and potential members.”

The Chamber of Commerce focuses on the economic growth of Polk County and Landrum, emphasizing the importance of quality education, healthcare, the equestrian tradition, and a thriving business climate. 

The next Business After Hours event is scheduled at Brights Creek in Mill Spring from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, community members are encouraged to visit carolinafoothillschamber.com.