Kristy Graf: rooted in Burke, leading the fight for survivors
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Angela K. Copeland
Editor
Kristy Graf has been executive director of Options since 2004. She grew up in Glen Alpine and graduated from Freedom High in 1988.
Burke County has always been Kristy Graf’s home. She was born at the old Grace Hospital, the youngest of five children of Joyce and Bill Keller, and grew up in Glen Alpine.
Other than Boone to earn her undergraduate degree at App State and eight years in Wisconsin, where she earned a master’s degree and met her soulmate, the Freedom High graduate has lived right here in the foothills of Western North Carolina. No need to mention the brief stop in Greensboro.
“Though Wisconsin and the people are great, North Carolina was calling me home,” she said. “I missed the mountains and the warmth of the weather and the people.”
After marrying John, she knew Burke was where she wanted to raise a family. Their daughter, Cloe, is the fifth generation on the family farm.
“So my roots are buried deep in the foothills of Burke County,” she said.
She’s also rooted in supporting those experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. Since 2004, Graf has led Options, a small nonprofit advocacy center that provides empowerment services and emergency shelter to Burke County families in crisis.
What’s a typical day like for you?
There is never a typical day which is probably why I love my job. There is usually administrative things to do like budget reports and grant writing, but other than that, every day is different.
We are not a hidden facility, and I strive to make Options accessible to all in need. Our phones are 24-hour crisis line so you never know what a call will be. Our shelter is in the same building as the offices and walk-ins occur daily. Some days there are a lot of tears and other times laughter and celebrations of survival and triumph.
What’s something you’re especially passionate about right now?
I continue to be passionate about Options’ mission. I continue to see injustice for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors in our society. I am passionate about being a voice for them and showing all victims and survivors the justice and respect they deserve. We live in a world where victims of sex and domestic violence crimes are scrutinized and perpetrators are protected.
The Epstein files are an example of this corruption. These files should not be a political platform but evidence to prosecute all involved. My statement is not meant to be political but hopefully a voice for any survivor to hear and know they are believed.
Scan this QR code to purchase tickets to the May 9 Art of Chocolate fundraiser for Options.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not working?
I love being outdoors. I love working in my vegetable garden, but I especially have a passion for my flowers and yard. My yard includes beautiful flowers, fairy gardens, yard art, and many solar lights.
Who has had a big influence on your life, and why?
Many people come to mind, but my mother has definitely shaped me as a person. I am blessed to say she is 95 years old and still impacting my life. She taught me to work hard, how to be a loving mother, to be strong, and to be kind to others. My parents cared for my daughter and taught her the values that are important and she learned that family is always there.
I thought the most difficult challenge in my life was being diagnosed at 36 years old with Stage 3 breast cancer. I beat that but then at age 47 my husband passed unexpectedly from a blot clot. The first call was to Mama, and she moved in with me. She lived with me several months and only left when I was ready.
Cloe and I could have never made it through that time without her.
What do you love most about living in Burke County?
My first thought when I hear this is to say the mountains. I love being in the foothills and surrounded by these majestic mountains. They make you feel safe and protected.
I feel safe and at home not just because of the mountains but the people, too. I remember my husband asking when we moved here why every car you passed on back roads waved. I didn’t really have an answer except that you greet people when you see them to be friendly.
No one is a stranger here and everyone always has time for a hello or a smile.
