Helena lived with physical, verbal and sexual abuse from her husband for many years. She tried leaving a couple of times, but due to isolation from her abuser, she had no friends, family, car or money. The abuse continued to escalate and became physical toward the children as well. During a police call, when Helena was severely injured, the police gave her HOPE’s card and said, “Call before he kills you.” She did. Helena now has an advocate to walk alongside her in her healing journey. The abuser was arrested and the family has an Order for Protection, they also received help with housing, and everyone is beginning to stabilize and start the process of healing.

Every parent hopes their children grow up healthy and happy, but life can take unexpected turns. Carla, a grandmother enjoying her quiet retirement, found herself in an unimaginable situation when her daughter fell into addiction, lost custody, and was arrested. Suddenly, Carla was faced with raising her two young grandchildren—a toddler and an infant.

Unprepared for this crisis, Carla had no baby supplies and felt lost. She wanted to provide a safe, loving home but did not know where to start. In desperation, she reached out to HOPE Coalition. HOPE advocates responded with warmth and support, helping Carla gather the items needed to care for the children and find local support services. Carla was able to rebuild a home for her grandchildren, giving them the stability they needed and the emotional support to make that happen.

Steve arrived at HOPE Coalition fearing for his safety after his girlfriend hit him with his car. Steve reported escalating behaviors including verbal, psychological and physical abuse. HOPE Coalition offered safety and support while exploring his network of support that may be able to offer a stable and safe place to land. HOPE was able to provide a train ticket in order for Steve to return to his family to heal.

Michelle came to the domestic violence shelter after fleeing psychological and verbal abuse. In the move, she lost her permanent residency card, which was preventing her from identifying safe and stable housing. HOPE advocates assisted her in retrieving her birth certificate and other necessary documents to navigate immigration and other social systems. After successful navigation was able to procure all needed information to retain independent and safe housing where she currently resides.

Dawn called the crisis line looking for support with an order for protection for herself and her two children. In addition to the legal advocacy for the protective order, Dawn and her children were able to move into HOPE’s Domestic Violence Shelter. HOPE advocates were able to help find financial support to pay off a lien that was preventing her from getting stable housing and then found support to move into a new home. Dawn and her children are set up in their own safe housing and connected with supports in the community.