There are many nonprofit organizations in Bradenton and the surrounding area. Each one is doing incredible work to support our community by helping those less fortunate, promoting the arts, providing education, and more.
During our nonprofit spotlight series, we’ll highlight information about a different local nonprofit each week.
Can you tell us a little bit about your mission and how you help to support our community?
The mission of HOPE Family Services is to promote safety, strength, and wellbeing for those affected by domestic violence in Manatee County.
HOPE Family Services (HOPE) is a 501 (c)(3) organization and Manatee County’s only state-certified domestic violence service provider. HOPE staff members, volunteers, and board members have provided life-saving services to victims of domestic violence and their children for more than forty years. We have also moved the agency to one of Florida’s best domestic violence service providers supporting survivors using an empowerment-based model.
HOPE has expanded the key services that are offered at no charge to participants. This includes the Emergency Safe Shelter, 24-hour HelpLine, ChatLine, and TextLine, victim advocacy, professional individual and group counseling, legal services, children’s programs, prevention programs for teens and “tweens”, and social change speakers, to name a few. Most services are offered in Spanish as well as English.
Who do you serve and why?
The people HOPE serves are victims and survivors of domestic violence residing in Manatee County. Services are provided regardless of race, sex, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, spoken language, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. We serve women, men, trans individuals, and those who identify as binary and gender non-specific. We also serve children and youth directly and indirectly through our Primary Prevention Program.
The purpose of HOPE Family Services (HOPE) is to provide a safe haven for victims who are fleeing for their safety from an intimate partner. Through services and social change, HOPE’s goal is to ensure that everyone in Manatee County has the skills and information necessary to solve problems in a non-violent manner, thus eliminating domestic violence.
Can you describe a few of your key programs?
| 24 Hour HelpLine, ChatLine and TextLine HOPE operates a 24 hour, 365 days a year, HelpLine – a friendly, compassionate, and informed person to talk to in an emergency. Call (941) 755-6805 (V/TTY), chat via the web, or text SURVIVOR to 69922 Emergency Safe Shelter HOPE provides a safe place in a confidential location for victims of domestic violence to evaluate their options. The shelter is designed to allow those who need it time in a safe place to make choices that empower them to live a life safe from the controlling tactics of an abusive partner and to organize opportunities in the best interest of themselves and their children. Advocacy HOPE assists clients with identifying and overcoming barriers to a safe way of life. HOPE’s case management services in the advocacy department are designed to address emerging issues such as financial concerns, housing, food, and clothing needs; as well as information and referrals to other organizations that can be of assistance. Advocacy includes assisting with court-related matters, such as Injunctions for Protection, accompanying clients to hearings, and facilitating legal referrals when necessary. Advocates also assist participants with job training opportunities and issues surrounding economic justice. |
What’s the best way our community can help?
| A variety of special projects, small tasks, and ongoing work is available. Projects may include filing, copying, stuffing envelopes, data entry, office support, research, sorting donations, or organizing closets. This is a great way to support survivors of domestic violence and not be involved with direct service. (Monday–Friday 9 am – 5 pm at your convenience) Holiday Help Volunteers are needed in late October, November, and all of December to solicit holiday donations; sort toys and clothing; pick up and deliver donations to the Shelter; wrap and distribute presents. The HOPE Chest Thrift Store Retailing, pricing, organizing, and sorting merchandise for resale, the HOPE Chest Store is located at 1215 8th Ave West. Flexible hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 am – 4 pm. Please call 941-745-2034 for more information. The HOPE Chest Thrift Store also accepts donations of gently used clothing and household items Wednesday through Saturday from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm. Maintenance & Gardening Volunteers are needed for light repair work, hanging photos, changing light bulbs, and maintaining our playground. (Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm at your convenience) Visit our website www.hopefamilyservice.org to fill out a volunteer application or make a donation. |
We greatly appreciate everything that Hope Family Services does for our community! To learn more about this amazing organization, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook!
