Options, Inc.

10/08/2026

Break the Silence

Say her name: Nathaly Ramirez. 💔

Yesterday morning in the Bronx, 23-year-old Nathaly was pushed from a 15th-floor balcony while holding her 8-month-old baby daughter. Neighbors heard her screaming, "Please don't do this!"

With her final breaths, she wrapped her body around her baby to shield her from the fall.

Nathaly did not survive. Her baby girl is fighting for her life.

This is domestic violence. Police had been called to that apartment before. Her ex-boyfriend is now wanted for questioning. She was 23 years old. A college student. A working mother. A daughter. A friend.

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we say her name and we say this: no one should have to beg for their life in their own home.

We are praying for Nathaly's baby, for her family, and for swift justice. 🙏🏽

If you or someone you love is in danger, help is available 24/7:
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
📱 Text START to 88788

Anyone with information: NYPD Crime Stoppers, 1-800-577-TIPS (anonymous).

10/08/2026

Options' offices were flooded but we are under construction thanks to funding provided by a grant from The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina and insurance!! Thank you for your patience as we continue to serve our community.

10/08/2026

🚨 Morganton Man Accused of Ra**ng, Kidnapping Woman
Grand Jury Indicted Him the Day After His Arrest

MORGANTON, N.C. (10/07/2026 5:45 PM) — A Morganton man is accused of kidnapping and ra**ng a woman Tuesday. A Burke County grand jury indicted him on both charges Wednesday, the day after his arrest.

Felix Francisco Mendez, 20, is charged with first-degree forcible r**e and first-degree kidnapping.

The indictment says he r**ed the woman by force and against her will. It also says he held her or moved her without her consent, either to terrorize her or to commit a felony. It says he did not release her in a safe place and that she was sexually assaulted.

The Burke County Sheriff's Office investigated. A magistrate issued a warrant for his arrest Tuesday afternoon, and he was booked into the Burke County Jail that evening.

The indictment sends the case directly to Superior Court.

The magistrate did not authorize his release. Under state law, only a judge can decide whether someone charged with first-degree r**e or kidnapping is released before trial. The law presumes that no release conditions would make sure the person returns to court and keep the public safe.

The magistrate's order also cites the state law covering new charges filed while someone is out of jail waiting on another case.

Mendez was being held without bond Wednesday. His first appearance is set for Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in Burke County Superior Court.

CVNW does not identify victims in sexual assault cases.

Mendez already had a pending case. The Morganton Department of Public Safety charged him in July 2025 with driving while impaired and driving while his license was revoked. A breath test in that case showed 0.14, above the state's 0.08 limit for impaired driving. He is due in court on it Oct. 26.

Charges are accusations. Mendez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Photo: Burke County Sheriff's Office

Share this so others in Burke County see it, and follow Catawba Valley News & Weather for more from courtrooms across the Catawba Valley.

10/07/2026

Options’ domestic and sexual violence crisis line is 828-438-9444.

10/07/2026

Domestic violence thrives in secrecy.
Let’s talk about it.
Call our 24/7 crisis hotline at 828-438-9444💜

10/06/2026

https://www.instagram.com/optionsburkecounty?stkn=MWg4ZXRubHBpbTJ4dw==

7 Followers, 6 Following, 3 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Options, Inc. ()

10/06/2026

50 domestic violence homicides in NC to date this year.

Looking for help? Want to talk to someone right now? Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, available 24/7. TTY: 1-800-787-3224

10/05/2026

You know a domestic violence victim. You just don’t know which one.
1 in 3 women

10/02/2026

Dear Community,

We experienced a small (but mighty) flood in our office space and will be temporarily unable to process large donations such as clothing and household items while this portion of our building is under renovation. We will continue to share urgent needs as they arise, and we can still accept monetary donations at our location, online, or by mail. We are incredibly grateful to have such a supportive community and we look forward to returning to our regular operations soon.

Thank you for understanding!
-Options 💜

10/01/2026