Hope Family Services, Inc.

Programs: Emergency safe shelter: hope's emergency safe shelter houses manatee county adult victims of domestic violence and their minor/dependent children who have no other safe place to relocate while deciding their best course of action. Hope's safe shelter helps both men and women who report being a victim of domestic violence regardardless of age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, political belief, citizenship, immigration status, marital status, language spoken or mental/physical disability. Generally, the population served is manatee county residents; however, when space permits, hope assists the other domestic violence program clients who must relocate due to safety concerns. 371 individuals were provided services in the fiscal year ending 6/30/14.

victim advocacy program: the advocacy program assists adult victims and survivors of domestic violence (18 years of age or older) with a safe place to evaluate their options while learning safety strategies and deciding the next course of action. Hope advocates assist those who call or come in with front-line, emergency, crisis oriented situations including immediate safety planning, legal intakes, referrals for basic services such as day care, food, housing assistance, budgeting classes, and any other action plan steps necessary to aid a victim of domestic violence. 1,663 individuals were provided services in the fiscal year ending 6/30/14.

children's counseling program: the children's counseling program is a program designed specifically for manatee county children, ages 3 through 17, who live in (or have lived in) families where family or domestic violence occurs or has been witnessed. Without the children's program, manatee county children who have experienced or witnessed domestic violence would have no safe place to express their feelings while learning new, appropriate skills for living an abuse and violence-free life. 1,095 individuals were provided services in the fiscal year ending 6/30/14.