From fear to confidence – Bernice’s Story

Bernice and her two daughters are enrolled in our Adopt-A-Family program for the Holiday Project this year.

Bernice, 37, was introduced to HOPE Coalition six years ago through her therapist at Catholic Charities Counseling Services.  Bernice was married with two girls – then ages five and seven – and lived on a farm in rural Goodhue County.  Over the years, her husband had grown more and more abusive. 

What started out as verbal and emotional abuse early on in their marriage has escalated to physical and financial abuse.  He wouldn’t let Bernice get a job, make friends, talk to her family, or even leave the farm without his permission.  He wouldn’t let her have a driver’s license, and even limited their daughter’s participation in after school activities. 

Bernice originally started visiting a therapist to deal with severe depression and anxiety.  After confiding in her therapist about what was going on at home, her therapist suggested she begin attending the battered women’s support group.  The group was during the time her husband was at work, and free childcare was provided, so after working out transportation issues Bernice attended weekly.

Over the past six years, Bernice’s confidence has grown.  She is ready to leave her husband and start a new life for herself and her daughters.  Through the help of HOPE Coalition, she enrolled her girls in Kids Count, got her driver’s license in 2010, found employment at a fast-food restaurant, overcame her fear of the unknown, and began looking for an apartment of her own.  Statistically, the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she leaves her abuser.  Bernice is taking precautions and has a safety plan in place. 

Although Bernice is currently working, paying the bills is still a struggle.  This past year, HOPE Coalition helped Bernice purchase back-to-school clothing and winter coats for her girls, provided a couple of gas vouchers for her to get to work, and helped her locate resources so she could enroll in on-line coursework through a local college. 

Bernice’s journey to safety is ongoing, but HOPE Coalition can help make her road a little easier.  You can aid this effort by participating in our holiday gift giving program for those in need.  Many levels of participation are available – from purchasing one gift to adopting an entire family.  For more information please contact Staci at 651-388-9360, x 19.  We truly appreciate your support!

Denise's Story

This story is an excerpt from "Why Doesn't She Just Leave?" compiled and edited by Heather Stark, MPA and Emiliee Watturs, MPA.  This book is an excellent resource for those looking to understand why women (or men) stay in violent relationships, and is available for purchase from Amazon.com.


Denise's Story


From the outside, it sounds so easy to just say go, get out, and leave.  But, you don't go.  The reasons are as varied and complicated as the relationship.  


For me, it was made worse.  Because it was the death of a dream.  The dream of loving and being loved.  I believed in forever.  


I would have to admit to failing,  No one wants to fail.


Guilt.  Knowing you are not perfect.  Having a mother who said this was your fault.  Her words were - you made your bed, you sleep in it.  You chose to marry and if you divorce him, you will go to hell.  Divorce was more shameful than anything.  What would people say?


It is your fault; he says so.  Your own mother says so.  But, it is not about you.  I was 21.  My daughter was a baby.


The biggest reason I stayed was FEAR. 


There was no doubt in my mind about how hard it would be to survive.  I am not talking about the day-to-day  taking care of life.  I am talking about the fear of my ex-husband.  Knowing he would stalk me.  Knowing he would find me.  Knowing anyone who helped me was going to be in danger.  Knowing I could be responsible for someone else getting hurt.  He was very clear about his intention of finding me no matter how long it took. He was clear about hurting anyone else in my life who tried to help.  He was very clear about my dad.  He would remind me that my dad had a bad heart and he would not be able to live through the turmoil.  


All these things kept me there for a long time.


I made a couple of attempts to get out.  I was able to talk him into letting me move to a new place and wait for him to move there.  It only worked for a day or two but it was a start.  That move showed me just how far he would go to control me.  He once drove from new York to Texas when I didn't answer the phone for 20 minutes!  It was ugly when he arrived.  I had no idea he was coming or why he was so angry.  Luckily, a girlfriend was there.  After she left, I ran out and hid until he calmed down.  It took 2 days.  


I can tell you exactly when I knew I was leaving, for good.  No deal making, no talking, no pleading.  I was crouched in a corner of our home, between the kitchen and my daughter's room.  


I was hiding a kitchen knife behind my back.  He was standing in front of me.  He was going to hit me, again.  I was the only person between him and my daughter. 


This was not the life I wanted her to know.  I loved her more than my life. 


I couldn't do it anymore.  I would rather be dead. That simple, I would rather be dead.  Dead was better.


It has been more than 30 years and I can still see his eyes.  I can still feel the fear.  


With the calmest voice I could find, I told him, "This will be the last time you ever touch me."  


Somehow he knew something was different.  After a few very tense minutes, he backed up and went to bed.  I spent the night in that spot. 


He left for work the next morning as if nothing had happened.  The second he was out the door, I got my daughter, ran to the car, and rented a truck.  


I loaded all my daughter's things - clothes, toys, bed, chest, and my clothes.  I remember the shoes I was wearing.  Black ballet slippers.  


A neighbor, whom I really didn't know, helped me with the bed and my chest.  I think he understood, but he never said a word.  I was so tired I was afraid I would faint.  I knew this was my only chance.  I had to be gone before my husband got off work.  


The last thing I did was stop by the bank and take out $500 cash.  Why $500 and not more, not everything?  I have no idea.  With my daughter, $500, clothes, toys, and a twin bed, I was on the road.  The journey began.


After 5 years, and more moves than I can remember, I was able to obtain a divorce.  his did not stop the stalking, the breaking and entering, the calls, or the abuse.  Even after he remarried he would still call, threaten, and break into my home, when he could find us.  


For almost 7 years I lived in fear.  We would move and hide.  Change cities, states, names. 


He would find us, break into our house in the middle of the night.  I would be hurt.  The police were no help.  By the time the police would arrive, it was over.  Orders of Protection were worthless.  His parent't couldn't keep him away.  My friends and family were long gone.  They had been hurt and couldn't risk it anymore. 


The fear was worse than I ever imagined.  


And then it ended.


He continued to abuse other women.  He was abusive to his second wife.  


His second wife divorced him. 


Then he killed his girlfriend. 


He hit her on the head while they were walking down the street.  He hid her body.


He served time for murder.


He says she made him do it.

A note from HOPE Executive Director, Kris Kvols

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  Domestic violence is a problem with devastating results and staggering costs. A 2003 study by the CDC estimated that domestic violence cost the U.S. economy more than $5.8 billion in a single year.  According to the World Health Organization, other studies have estimated the annual costs of domestic violence in the United States to be as high as $12.6 billion. The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women notes that, so far, in 2011, 18 Minnesotans (15 women, 2 children and 1 man) have died as a result of domestic violence related homicides. In 2010, 28 Minnesotans (17 women, 7 children, and 4 men) lost their lives in domestic-violence-related homicides.

Ending domestic violence requires families, friends, neighbors, business owners and faith communities willing to get involved and provide a circle of support.  Our community’s response is critical both for victims' safety and perpetrator accountability. Victims must be provided the protection and support necessary to improve their circumstances.  Perpetrators must be held accountable for their violence and given appropriate penalties that require changes in their behavior.

From October 2010 to October 2011, HOPE Coalition provided services to 437 women, 112 children, and 77 men who had experienced domestic violence.  These services included crisis intervention, advocacy, support groups, safety planning, information and referral, and legal advocacy.  Of those served last year, 70 women and 80 children stayed at the Haven of Hope, HOPE Coalition’s domestic violence shelter.  HOPE Coalition outreach advocates assisted victims in filing 41 Orders for Protection and 15 Harassment Restraining Orders.

Please help us reduce the costs of domestic violence.  If you or someone you know is struggling with abuse, please call HOPE Coalition’s Haven of Hope (1-800-369-5214), the Day One Crisis line (1- 866-223-1111), or local law enforcement.  You can learn more about domestic violence by visiting the HOPE Coalition website (www.hope-coalition.org) or inviting a HOPE Coalition staff member to present for a group of interested individuals (651-388-9360 extension 11).

Sincerely,
Kris Kvols
Executive Director

Tonya, once scared and alone, would like to thank you.

Tonya, 26, married Jason after becoming pregnant. Jason is an abusive alcoholic, who verbally, physically, and sexually abused Tonya beginning the month after Olivia was born. Tonya found it very difficult to leave the relationship. “I wanted to stay for my daughter’s sake. I didn’t want her growing up without a father, like I did.” Tonya met with Staci, HOPE’s Outreach and Legal Advocate, and together they worked on a safety plan. A safety plan outlines a strategy to leave an abusive partner and covers the “what if” scenarios to help maintain safety. 

Tonya and Olivia are now safe, thanks to an Order for Protection signed by a local judge. With Staci’s help, Tonya and Jason were able to work out a supervised parenting schedule for Olivia. “I never knew who this person was inside me. I never felt whole. I am just beginning to start my new life – alone. But I don’t feel lonely because I know there are people like Staci who care about me and my daughter.”  

Faces of Homelessness Video

People in Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN who are or have been homeless speak about their experiences in the communty and with homelessness. Women, children and men describe the trauma and stereotypes they experience as they strive to find what most of us take for granted.  From MCHP

Essential! By Kris Kvols, HOPE President

July 14 was a monumental day for HOPE Coalition.  Not only did the Governor and Legislative leaders reach an agreement which laid the foundation for a final budget and an end to the government shutdown, but Ramsey County Judge Gearin declared crime victim services a core function of government.  The day before, July 13, Judge Gearin declared transitional housing programs a core function of government.  Both of these rulings defined the work of HOPE Coalition (and other agencies like ours) as an essential service which should be maintained – even during a state government shutdown.

For HOPE Coalition, these decisions ensured that we would be able to keep our doors open and continue our services in the community.  Up until that point, HOPE Coalition’s fate was uncertain.  If Judge Gearin had not granted our programs the status of core functions there would have been no state government reimbursement funding for our programs for the duration of the shutdown.  If the Governor and Legislative leaders had not agreed to a compromise (albeit one that none of them liked) the shutdown was predicted to last into September.  The Executive Committee and I had begun discussions about how long the agency could continue to function before it no longer had the funds to pay essential bills and provide basic client services.  I was preparing to propose a date in August when HOPE Coalition programs would close and all staff (including myself) would be laid off.   This would have been devastating to the clients that depend on us and the agency as a whole.  Fortunately, the events of July 14 offered optimism for the immediate and long-term future as well.


Our Office of Justice Programs (OJP) contract for the Haven of Hope and Kids Count returned to its previous status and we will be reimbursed for grant expenses incurred during the shutdown.  This funding will remain constant through the end of September.  On October 1, our new OJP contract will begin.  At this point, the terms of the contract are not in place however, I anticipate that the collective cuts to our OJP funding will be about 11%.  Although this will definitely impact HOPE Coalition, this cut  was much less than the worst case scenario discussed earlier in the legislative session.  That would have resulted in a collective cut of 24%.


Shortly after Judge Gearin’s ruling, the Office of Economic Opportunity notified us that the Transitional Housing Program grant which expired on June 30 will be renewed for two years at the same rate as our previous contract.  The Judge’s ruling also insures that we will be reimbursed for expenses incurred during the shutdown when we did not have an existing contract.  I expect our new contract to arrive in the mail in another week.
The month leading up to the shutdown and the record 20 days of shutdown were a nightmare from which I am glad to awake.  Our post-shutdown reality is actually better than I dared to dream.  I learned a lot about the government, our agency, and our politics during the shutdown.  I’m grateful for the outcome and for the knowledge.  I sincerely hope I never, ever have to lead this agency through another shutdown.

As Liz Kuoppala, Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless said to me in an e-mail, “There are good long-term benefits of this ruling, in my opinion.  It helps us to know the Courts have ruled that the services you and other homeless programs provide are essential services that meet a core function of government.   Hold your head high and know your work is appreciated by all three branches of government.”  She is right.  All of us at HOPE Coalition and all of you who support us in so many important ways should hold our/your heads high.  We already know this work is essential to the people we serve.   But now, after a shutdown that brought HOPE Coalition close to the edge, we have a court ruling and bi-annual budget that affirm the state government deems it essential as well.

A note from HOPE President, Kris Kvols

"We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them..."
-William Arthur Ward


The above quote was printed at the bottom of an e-mail message from a colleague.  I find it fitting for the situation and for myself.

On the evening of June 30, I listened to stone throwing rhetoric spouted by both sides when negotiations failed and shutdown moved from “looming” to “reality”.  I spent much of June complaining - about politics in general, what I perceive as a lack of regard for the impact on people we serve, and HOPE Coalition’s limited ability to serve clients during a shutdown. Last week I stumbled my way through the actual financial consequences of the shutdown and suggest courses of action for HOPE Coalition’s Executive Committee to consider.  For the remainder of July, with Board guidance, HOPE Coalition will climb over shutdown obstacles and guide our clients in doing the same. And, together with programs across the state, coalitions such as the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women and the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless will move from strategizing how to survive a shutdown to building new models for client advocacy, public awareness, and service provision during the shutdown and after budget cuts have been passed.

My sincere hope is that our Legislature and Governor will also find ways to move from throwing and stumbling on stones to building the state’s future with them.  If you have not already done so, please contact your legislators and the governor to encourage compromise that will allow Minnesotans to rebuild from the damaging effects of the shutdown.

Sincerely,
Kris Kvols
HOPE Coalition President

Shutdown Impact for HOPE Coalition

On June 24, the Executive Committee of HOPE Coalition’s Board of Directors met and voted to continue programming as usual until July 15 if there was a shutdown.  At the time of that meeting there were many aspects of potential shutdown consequences that were unknown, making it difficult to develop an extended plan of operation for the agency.  The Executive Committee met again on July 7 to re-evaluate the situation and asked me to prepare contingency plans for the July Board meeting.  At this point, HOPE Coalition has enough funding to operate the Haven of Hope and Kids Count for up to two months and the Transitional Housing Program for up to three months.  On July 18, the HOPE Coalition Board of Directors will meet to discuss and determine contingency plans for a long-term state shutdown.

Approximately 80% of HOPE Coalition's current funding comes from state and federal grants.  All of it is funneled through state agencies on a reimbursement basis.  This means that HOPE Coalition spends the money, submits monthly documentation to state agencies and receives payment for the amount spent.  Neither crime victim service programs nor transitional housing programs were on the list of essential or core services submitted by Governor Dayton and approved by the Ramsey County Court for ongoing funding on June 29.

HOPE Coalition's Transitional Housing Program serves three families.  Approximately 75% of that program funding comes through a two-year grant from the Minnesota Department of Human Services Office of Economic Opportunity (DHS OEO).  The last day of HOPE Coalition's current grant was June 30, 2011.  In March, HOPE Coalition submitted an application for a renewal grant for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2013.  Because the Governor and Legislature did not reach agreement on a budget before the end of the Legislative Session, DHS OEO, cannot announce grant awards.  The State of Minnesota will not issue funding without a valid grant contract.  HOPE Coalition does not know if, when, or how much DHS OEO funding it will receive.  United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, and Pierce Counties has graciously agreed to provide HOPE Coalition with the full amount of grant funding awarded in April.  Usually, this funding would be distributed quarterly as outlined in the grant contract.  This funding will allow the Transitional Housing Program to run pretty much as usual for July through September.  However, with no state funding, HOPE Coalition has no choice but to give these three families notice that they have until the end of September to find alternative housing and support services.  Should a state DHS OEO grant be awarded during those months, HOPE Coalition would work to re-institute all possible services.

The Haven of Hope Domestic Violence Shelter and Outreach Services Program serves up to 24 women and children (at a time) in shelter and approximately 20 community members per week through outreach.  Our state contract with the Minnesota Office of Justice Program (OJP) runs from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011.  So, unlike Transitional Housing, HOPE Coalition had an existing contract for the Haven of Hope going into the shutdown.  Unfortunately, there are no assurances of retroactive reimbursements for state funding spent during the shutdown unless the Legislature specifically includes that in any bill that is passed after the shutdown is over.  Almost 100% of Haven of Hope funding is funneled through OJP, however, for this year’s contract, about 40% of that is actually federal dollars.  The Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women (MCBW) filed a brief with Ramsey County Court and testified before Ramsey County Court appointed Special Master Kathleen Blatz on July 1 that services to victims of domestic violence victims be considered essential and added to the list of programs to remain funded during the shutdown.  They also requested that the court rule that a state shutdown could not interfere with the federal funding.  Governor Dayton has submitted three separate recommendations to the Special Master for various additions to the list of core services.  In each of these correspondence, he has indicated that crime victims services funded through OJP be added to the list.  As of the morning of July 12, Ramsey County Court has yet to release a ruling.  If crime victim services are not deemed essential or core services, the Haven of Hope will not receive ongoing state funding during the shutdown.

Kids Count Abused Children’s Program receives 75% of its funding through OJP, has the same contract as the Haven of Hope, and would be included in any ruling regarding OJP funding for crime victim services.  For the summer months, Kids Count does not run its weekly support groups for children, however, it does continue to provide individual contact with children and parents in need of services and summer activities for children and families.  As with the Haven of Hope, Kids Count will not receive ongoing state funding during the shutdown unless crime victim services are deemed essential by the Ramsey County Courts.

The Community Care Fund is funded through grants from the Jones Family Foundation and United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha, and Pierce County.  It is also supported in large part by donations from local area churches.  Because these funding sources are not affected by the shutdown, the Community Care Fund will most likely continue services with little disruption for the near future.

As with many non-profit agencies that receive state funding, HOPE Coalition has been closely monitoring the state shutdown in an effort to project the impact on client services.  Once the Board of Directors has developed a contingency plan for HOPE Coalition, the HOPE staff will be informed of the plan and an overview of the plan will be made available to the public.

Adam's Journey - a story of hope

Nine years ago, we met Adam through his long-time partner, Jill.  Jill had called the crisis line in search of a safe place to stay—a place to keep their three children safe. 

Throughout the years his partner and children have attended HOPE support groups, but Adam has never been ready—or willing—to change.  He would move back in with Jill after making promises to quit drinking and then pick up the bottle.  Things would fall apart and he would become violent. 

Adam’s drinking is a way of coping with low self-esteem and hopelessness.  He has a learning disability and never learned to read, which has made it difficult to find employment.  He has been in and out of homeless shelters his entire life.   His mother died when his was little, and his father abandoned him at a Greyhound bus station when he was a teenager. 

Six months ago, Adam, now 46, was taken to jail on another domestic assault charge.  While in jail, he got news that his alcoholism was taking away more than his family—it was taking his life.  He was diagnosed with late-stage liver disease.  It was a wake-up call for Adam.  “I realized that without help, I was never going to stop drinking.  And if I didn't stop, I was going to lose my family for good—or lose my life to this addiction and never see my kids again.  The looks on their faces made me want to change.”

While in jail, Adam sought help.  His dream is to reunite his family and repair broken relationships. Adam took advantage of all of the self-help programs that the jail offered.  He regularly attended Alcoholics Anonymous and HOPE’s group on Release Planning.   He was released from jail in March and has been clean and sober since. 

Within a week of being released, Adam moved into an apartment—the very first apartment that has even been “his.”  He has a network of supportive adults helping him on the road to success—five agencies, including HOPE, partnered to help Adam on his road to recovery.

Dreams be the way

The following poem was written by Issac, a homeless youth who is now in custody at the Goodhue County Adult Detention Center.  Isaac grew up in an abusive household and turned to the streets when he was 16 because he felt safer on the streets than he did at home.  Issac connected with HOPE Coalition through the weekly support group "Renewed Hope" that HOPE staff facilitates at the jail for inmates who are struggling to turn their lives around.

"Dreams be the way"

A poem by Isaac

If inside of my mind, there is darkness;

then only my dreams may provide illumination.

For in my dreams, I see a story that is yet to be written.

In my dreams, I see the faces of those whom others have forgotten.

In my dreams, there is always a way to find the answer.

If inside my mind, there is sorrow

then only my dreams can provide consolation.

If inside my mind, I find myself lost

then, truly then, Dreams Be the Way.

Kim's Journey

Kim and her 12-year-old son, Eric, came to the Haven of Hope shelter after experiencing both physical and emotional abuse at the hands of Eric’s father. They arrived at the Haven tired, broken and completely exhausted.

During her time at the shelter, family advocates were able to work with Kim and help her rebuild her life.  She was able to get her youngest son, Kyle, from his father, who lived out of state, and bring him back home with her.  She located a job, was able to save some money, and purchased a vehicle so she could continue to get to work. While here, she diligently searched for housing and eventually secured a safe place for her family. Her spirit was renewed and her outlook on life changed.  

Kim left the shelter in May and continues to build upon the successes she experienced while at the Haven. She has kept in contact with staff members and has continuously expressed her thanks and gratitude for the services she received and the second chance at life that she seized with the help of HOPE staff members.

Below is a letter from Kim to the HOPE Coalition staff members:

I just wanted to say thank you so much for letting me stay.  It really means a lot to know that somebody does care.  The only person I had before was my friend, Sara, and her mom – and that’s all I had for a long time.  It hurts to know your mother won’t even take you in when you are the only child she has left, but somebody else with a warm heart and open arms will.  I know when I first came here I was sitting on the couch crying my eyes out wondering what I was going to do next but now I am leaving with a smile on my face!  I am not scared to say you guys are my family because you really are.  You’ve helped me so much making friends and setting my goals and one was getting my son back and not it’s going to happen!. I will never forget you guys.  I will always remember you and you have all earned a special place in my heart.  Thank you so much everyone and keep up the good work!

-Kim

At HOPE Coalition, we never give up.  This strength and commitment is what makes HOPE Coalition the key local service provider for families in crisis.  Thank you for your continued support of our programs – and for helping people like Kim rebuild their lives. 

Generation Why? trailer for new film on Youth Homelessness

The Conversation: Homeless Simulation Game

"Farmville" and "Angry Birds" are fun distractions from everyday life, but a new Web games hopes to make you think hard about the world around you.

Visit http://playspent.org/ to play the game for yourself.

Dan Was An Abusive Alcoholic.

You helped change his story.

Dan, 37, and his girlfriend, Stephanie, have been together than ten years.  Four years ago Dan lost his job.  He fell into a depression, became an alcoholic, and started using drugs.  He became violent and verbally abusive. 

One night last May Dan became angry and ripped a chunk of hair out of Stephanie’s head.  Stephanie called Staci at HOPE’s Legal Outreach office and filed an Order for Protection.  She joined HOPE’s “Battered Women’s Support Group” and connected with other local women who shared similar stories.  She cut all ties with Dan.

Dan continued using and drinking.  He lived on the street and slept in a tent.  Another homeless man living at the same “camp” by the river robbed of his clothing and valuables.  After five months of being homeless and hungry, Dan finally had an epiphany:  if he wanted a better life he needed to change.  He needed to be clean.  He needed a job.  He needed his life back.  He needed help.

In October, Dan met with JoAnn from HOPE’s Supportive Housing Services program.  He hadn’t showered in weeks, was wearing dirty clothes, and was very depressed.  JoAnn arranged for a shower, clean clothes, and found a place for the night.  Then she helped him secure chemical and mental health treatment and a network of supportive adults that would help Dan in his recovery. 

Dan came to HOPE Coalition daily.  He sat in the lobby, used the phone and newspaper to find a job, and talked with the staff.  After a week of searching, Dan secured a local management job and found an apartment.  He accessed HOPE’s Community Care Fund for support until he got his first paycheck and could move in. 

It has been three months, and Dan has stayed clean and sober, employed, and in his apartment.  He reconnected with Stephanie and they are attending counseling together and separately.  He is on the road to recovery and your support made it possible.

HOPE Completes Strategic Plan - a letter from HOPE's Executive Director, Kris Kvols



HOPE Coalition
Executive Director,
Kris Kvols

In 2010 a large number of corporations and non-profits continued to struggle with repercussions from the economic downturn, and HOPE Coalition was no exception.  Overall funding for the agency decreased by ten percent (10%), while demand for services rose by 30 percent (30%).  The year 2010 was also HOPE Coalition’s 20th anniversary.  As part of celebrating 20 years of service in the community, the Board took the year to assess HOPE’s past two decades and begin planning for the next two.

In November the HOPE Coalition Board of Directors completed an intensive strategic plan retreat facilitated by Barb Haley from SteppsUp.  The main focuses during strategic planning were: client services, long-term sustainability, and agency mission.  In my eight years of working directly with non-profits I have never seen a more committed, healthy, and actively involved Board of Directors.  After reviewing feedback collected from community partners, internal analysis of true costs of programs, as well as state and federal funding forecasts, the Board formulated a strategic plan which will be unfolding throughout 2011.

The Board also made the difficult decision to restructure agency management.  This decision involves the elimination of HOPE’s three Program Manager positions and the creation of a new Director of Services position to supervise all direct service staff.  The intent is to streamline management of the agency while preserving as much direct service to clients as possible.  As a result:

• The Kids Count and Housing Support Services/Community Care Fund offices at the Friendship House will remain open and staffed by direct service advocates. 
• Kids Count support groups will continue through the school year. 
• Clients in crisis will reach advocates through the same phone numbers they are accustom to calling.
• Program Managers will be phased out while a Director of Services is hired to take over those roles. 

This sort of change is painful and difficult.  HOPE Coalition and its clients grieve the loss of these valued and dedicated program managers.  I have no doubt this decision will have a ripple effect on the larger community as well.  So, on behalf of the agency, I ask for your support and patience as we make this transition into our 21^st year.  Be assured that HOPE is committed to:  quality client services, innovative partnerships, stewardship of our resources, and positive community impact.  Any questions or concerns can be addressed to me at 651-388-9360 x11 or kkvols@hope-coalition.org.

Protect Funding that Helps Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assualt and Child Abuse

Take Action to Help Victims of Domestic, Sexual, and Dating Violence

Your Calls Are Needed Today!

During the week of February 14^th, the House of Representatives is scheduled to consider funding levels for all federal programs, including programs important to victims of domestic and sexual violence.  Our friends in Congress tell us this is the week to act.  We need your help.   Please contact your Member of Congress and ask them to continue funding programs that protect women and children from violence and abuse.   Ree
Advocates have an opportunity NOW as the House of Representatives begins work on finalizing the FY11 bills to urge Members to preserve all Violence Against Women programs.   Now is not the time to cut services and prevention dollars to this work.   Without hearing from you, these cuts will happen.  
 

State and federal funding make up 85% of HOPE Coalition’s 2011 funding.  Over the last two MN legislative sessions, Office of Justice Program funding for programs such as HOPE Coalition has been cut by about 6.5%.  Because of one-time federal stimulus funding, OJP was able to offset those cuts for a period of time.  However, in October, HOPE Coalition and our sister programs who received state crime victim services funding will experience not only the 6.5% cut but any additional cuts made by the legislature over the coming weeks this year.  While the legislature still has many decisions to make regarding crime victims services funding, some insiders have projected additional cuts this year of between 5 and 15%.

 

How to Take Action

Call your Member of Congress this week and ask them to oppose cuts to violence against women programs!

Say:

• Your name and the city you live in.
• Please oppose cuts to violence against women programs.  Specifically, please tell them:
• No cuts to the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the Violence Against Women Health Initiative; and the Engaging Men and Youth in Prevention Program and theChildren Exposed to Violence program
• Maintain existing funding for other VAWA programs
• Tell her/him how programs in your community are being hurt or cannot serve victims in your communities, or why these programs are important to you.

Never called your Member of Congress before?  Don't worry, it's easy!  The Capitol Hill Switchboard is 202-224-3121.   Ask for your local House Member’s office (U.S. Representative John Kline, 2nd District - MN or U.S. Representative Ron Kind, 3rd Dirtict -WI.)  Your call will be answered by a receptionist.  Tell him or her that you want to leave a message for the Congressperson.  The receptionist will take down your message.

Your calls make a huge difference.  It's only thanks to your outreach and calls in the past that we've had such strong support for FVPSA, the Violence Against Women Health Initiative, the Engaging Men program, and Children Exposed to Violence program in the past!   We are very optimistic that we will get funding for these critical programs this year, but ONLY if you make your voices heard! 

 

Thank you for taking action to support this critical funding!