By: Madelyn Adams-Stansberry
I volunteered for HOPE of East Central Illinois, a non-profit agency serving victims/survivors of domestic violence in seven county areas. Those counties include Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Moultrie, and Shelby. The event was a yard sale held at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon May 19-May 21, 2011. Items at the yard sale includes gently used books, toys, clothing, knick knacks, electronics, jewelry, furniture, business attire, coats, and music. All proceeds go to HOPE Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Volunteers are always welcome! This activity allowed me to be a part of a great cause. I was proud to take a stand with the organization in such a personal issue such as this. Domestic violence is an important issue that needs to be dealt with on many levels. The victim/survivor has to have trust in the organization they are dealing with, and equally important, confidentiality has to be in place. When the victim/survivor needs to make a move to better his/her life this organization is the place to be. It is well established and deeply entrenched into the community since 1978. The organization use to be called Coalition of Domestic Violence. The name was changed 10 years ago to HOPE because they began to experience
individuals going through homelessness. It has a 24 – hour, 7 days a week, 365 days a year toll-free crisis hotline providing support, intervention, information and referrals. The crisis line number is 1-888-345-3990. Other services that are offered are housing, victim/survivor advocacy, children advocacy, counseling, referrals, volunteer training, and accessibility. ALL SERVICES ARE FREE and CONFIDENTIAL!
I was able to network with the director, Angie Hunt. She can be reached at alhunt_hope@yahoo.com I also visited the office located at 701 Sixth Street, in Charleston. There I met Kelly, Brenda, and Jim. They provided a tour of their facility and explained their methods of operation as well as the services they provide. I gained an important insight into the role victims/survivors go through. The HOPE organization offers a valuable service and useful tool to Charleston residents as well as the surrounding communities not only to the victims/survivors of domestic violence but to the families and individual circumstances involved. I really enjoyed being part of such a worthy cause. I learned this program offers a way out, and much needed respite out of a difficult time in one’s life. It does what is says it does, it offers HOPE and the courage to be a proactive participant in improving one’s life. I think the HOPE organization is AWESOME!
No comments:
Post a Comment