Hope Haven Says Thank You!
Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center would like to extend a huge thank you to the members of the community who supported our mission during this year’s winter campaign. “This year’s winter campaign was extremely successful, particularly given the difficulties of the past year. The funds raised go directly to providing important services to children who have been abused and also supports families in need throughout the community through some of the ongoing programs many citizens associate with Hope Haven”, says Hope Haven’s Executive Director, John James.
Hope Haven Children’s Advocacy Center, which was opened originally in 1995 as a shelter, now serves children and families in Hancock and Pearl River Counties as a Child Advocacy Center (CAC). As a CAC, Hope Haven’s primary mission is to serve children who have experienced sexual abuse or severe physical abuse. The agency has specially trained staff who provide forensic interviews, parenting classes for the non offending caregiver, advocacy, and referrals for forensic medical exams and mental health services. The CAC prides themselves on being a “hub” for all the services a child needs after experiencing severe abuse. The Hope Haven team works closely with law enforcement, the court, the District Attorney’s Office, specially trained medical providers, and all other services the child works with throughout the case investigation and prosecution process. The agency also offers child sexual abuse prevention training, outreach events, and other services as needed to serve the people of Hancock and Pearl River Counties.
All services at Hope Haven are provided to the client free of charge. Donations received during the winter fundraiser helps pay for forensic interviews, counseling services, parenting classes and case advocacy.
Hope Haven sees over 300 children a year for forensic interviews, each interview is estimated to cost CAC’s around $400. Counseling services for a child can cost $100 or more for an hour of counseling. Hope Haven serves these children and their families without regard to their ability to pay. They cover all fees if the family is unable to pay them or have no insurance. Hope Haven relies on grants and donations to continue to provide these essential services throughout the year.
Donations to Hope Haven also cover the back to school and Christmas giving initiatives each year for families in Hancock County. These donations also support our ability to help any Hancock County family, whether referred through the CAC or not, with financial support for clothing, utilities, rent and food when needed. While these are not the main mission of Hope Haven in its current role as a Child Advocacy Center these programs continue and are widely utilized each year. Local schools, CPS and other agencies often refer clients to Hope Haven for this sort of support. In December Hope Haven was able to help a CPS worker get last minute funds for groceries the day before Christmas for her client and the client’s children when no other last minute support could be found.
Hope Haven’s winter fundraiser was social distancing friendly and came right to the donor’s mailbox. The agency has done a winter mailout over the past few years as a way to help meet their end of the year fundraising goals. This year was a little different. “We had to cancel all of our normal big fundraising events this year due to COVID-19. We knew this campaign needed to be special”, says Outreach Specialist Isabelle Hall. The staff at Hope Haven worked with North Bay Elementary School in Bay St. Louis to host a poster contest. The theme of Hope Haven’s outreach this year was “Be a Hero”. Each contestant was asked to create themselves as a hero. Hope Haven provided materials to the teachers for the students as well as a short lesson plan to help teach children about safety, courage, bullying, and helping others. The winners of the contest received a special prize pack with school supplies, a new backpack, and vouchers from local businesses. The winners also were featured on this year’s winter campaign card. The children’s responses were heartwarming.
Deja, a 5th grader featured a hero that said “A hero doesn't need a cape, a true hero helps people in need.” Brandyn, a 4th grader, featured a hero with the power of teleportation so she could teleport to protect children from getting abused. The hero’s features on the card put out the call to adults to have the heart of a hero, and do what they can to help others and protect children too.
James issues this message to the community, “Thank you to the community members who gave financial support this year. We are deeply grateful and humbled by your support. Your contributions go directly to help protect children and families by helping to pay for services that lead to healing and a path to justice. Your donations also help families in need in Hancock County in a variety of other ways
by helping us support families in their time of need though the programs many citizens have come to know Hope Haven for over the years”
Hope Haven is always looking for more community members to join the mission and give any way they can. Online donations can be made at www.hopehavencac.com/donate. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on the Board of Directors please contact info@hopehavencac.org.
