My children and I started over in 2008 with the help these. They are, for the most, good people .... as with any organization, one can find flaws and things they wouldn't like -- but this organization and Hope went the extra miles (yes, mile-s) for my children and me. Thank you and God bless your organization and Hope's also!!!
I was blessed to find this shelter in 1999 and I am here to tell you if it hadn't been for this safe haven I probably would not be here today to tell you how wonderful this place is. I have told many my story of how I came to come to this shelter and how humbling the experience was as well as a blessing . When I got to the shelter I came to realize so quickly that they were there to help me and do whatever they could to help me, and help myself. My only regret is that I didn't do it years before. So if you are reading this and think oh I can wait, please don't.....if you are in a situation you need protection or your children do please contact this wonderful organization.
Survivor at 47 Years Old
Review from Guidestar
My counselor saved my life. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish what I've dedicated myself to doing without their support and assistance. These are the most determined people I've ever come across in my life who actually cared if I had enough to eat, clothes to wear, and a safe place to stay. My life is better because of DCFOF.
The discrimination is at an all time high. Clients from correct ethnic background blatantly disregarded the strictest rules, endangering the lives of children, and other clients on several occasions in my 1 month stay. Several staff members stated they were only there to receive a paycheck or intern hours. These statements proved to be true, as displayed in their level of empathy and assistance, which was at the bare minimum, especially if you were from the wrong ethnic group. Most made it seem as if clients were bothering them for being there. And on several occasions, staff would have liquor in water bottles. Only 2 staff members provided excellence service to these needy clients while others collected their pay and went home, hating every act of kindness obliged by their job description.
The Denton County Friends of the Family has changed for the worse over the past few years. There are a few good people within this organization (one is a doctoral-level Director), but a few others make this entire organization be one that I don't have faith in. Their mission is to move "families from crisis to confidence", but from my experience they really move families "to catastrophe from crisis". I've been abused here by the very people who are supposed to help me.
As a victim of violence and stalking, and a disabled person, I was neglected and then abused by two key staff members when I finally sought out help to navigate the justice system. I was ignored, and they refused to call me back in regards to filing for crime victim's compensation and new acts of abuse from the ex. Once I finally got someone on the phone, I was screamed at and told of all of the things that are wrong with me (mind you, I have never even met these two individuals face-to-face) , and I could not get a word in. I was berated, cursed at, told I deserved the bad treatment, referred to as stupid, etc. Any time I tried to ask to speak, the verbal attacks intensified. My concerns were minimized, I was told that my perception was wrong, and that I was not respectful. The actions by these employees (one a Director) are abuse in its most obvious form.
I have donated many things to this organization over the years, but I will never again. They abuse the very people they are supposed to help, and appear to get a real high out of doing so. I would suggest that anyone reading this not donate to this agency and voice the need for changes here.
I stayed there for about a month with my children. The shelter is a decent place, a lot nicer than I expected. All kinds of women stay there, all races and income levels. Everyone there is kind of shell-shocked and not always easy to get along with. Some people use the services to make their lives better and others go right back into the situations that got them there. The staff is ok. I would say that they generally treat everyone with fairness and compassion. The counseling service is somewhat helpful because the counselors are familiar with family violence issues, but they insist everyone's situation and behaviors are alike. The friends of the family thrift store isn't good.