Celebrating 30 years of service to families experiencing domestic violence

Did they realize the impact they would have on Habersham and surrounding counties? Did they know that over 3,900 adult and child victims of domestic violence would seek refuge in the emergency shelter they envisioned and opened?

Did they know over 31,000 crisis calls would be received on the crisis line they started in the basement of the health department in Clarkesville? Did they know an additional 5,800 families not seeking shelter would utilize services such as legal assistance, trauma-focused therapy, support group, supportive housing assistance and social service advocacy? These are the questions I often contemplate when thinking about the seven founding members of Circle of Hope.

As we close out October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, Circle of Hope turns its emphasis on celebrating our 30th year of service. It was 1987 when a group of concerned Habersham County citizens heard a sobering report that during the previous year, 37 local women and children had sought emergency

shelter at a Hall County agency for victims of domestic violence. This information motivated the group to make a change, a change that would end up saving the lives of thousands of victims experiencing domestic violence in Habersham, Stephens and White counties for the next 30 years.

Volunteers started a crisis line and support group and worked for two years to transform a donated farmhouse into an emergency shelter. Just two hours after officially opening the newly renovated shelter in September of 1990, Circle of Hope accepted its first resident.

During the past 30 years, as the demand for services increased and families' concerns were identified, Circle of Hope grew into a multidisciplinary agency with programs tailored to meet the unique needs of survivors. These programs include a 17-bed emergency shelter, four distinct supportive housing programs offe-ing ongoing support and housing assistance past the emergency shelter stay, an outreach program for those needing support without the need for emergency shelter, and a legal advocacy program focused on providing assistance with filing protective orders and court accompaniment.

In addition to these programs, we provide trauma-focused counseling, weekly support groups, 24-hour crisis hotline support, safety planning, financial assistance and specific services for children including advocacy, mentoring, recreational activities and age-appropriate safety planning.

Circle of Hope strives to educate others about domestic violence and focuses on prevention efforts with the long-term goal of reducing this plague in our community. Trainings are available to health-care professionals, law enforcement officials, faith-based leaders, community organizations, corporations and professional associations on the dynamics of domestic violence and appropriate responses. Our Prevention Program provides age-appropriate post-and secondary-school based curriculums to educate youth about violence prevention and healthy relationships.

Through Circle of Hope's comprehensive programs and services,

those we serve receive the time and the tools necessary to live healthy, independent and violence-free lives and we are optimistic that we are making strides in changing attitudes about the dynamics of domestic violence in families. Unfortunately, our work is not done. Families are still impacted by violence at astounding rates. We have helped many, but many more will seek refuge within our walls.

We welcome new partners to join us as we continue our efforts to support, empower and bring hope to those experiencing domestic violence.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the community, our donors, and all who have volunteered or served Circle of Hope during the past 30 years.

Most importantly, I express gratitude to the seven volunteers who came together with a common goal that has ultimately led to addressing the safety of thousands of survivors. Do they know their impact? Thousands of survivors do and thank you.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities, contact Circle of Hope at 706-776-3406 or visit gacircleofhope.org.

If you are a victim of abuse call the 24-hour crisis line at 706-776-4673 or 1-800-334-2836.

Suzanne Dow is executive director of Circle of Hope. Circle of Hope is a private, nonprofit, 501(c)3 multi-faceted domestic violence agency whose mission is to support, empower and bring hope to those affected by domestic violence through advocacy, awareness, education and community partnerships.