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!