by Joanne Hoover –

I met fellow Seeds of Strength member Karron Wilson on a scheduled visit to Hope Alliance, Williamson County’s domestic and sexual violence response and prevention program. We were warmly greeted by Patty Conner, CEO. Patty introduced us to several members of her staff, who only stayed a moment to say “hello” before returning to the important work they do. Some were responding to the domestic violence 24-hour hotline 1-800-460-7233 (SAFE), while others were scheduling counseling appointments for clients referred from five of Hope Alliance’s outreach offices. Time is critical in the work they do. Within 24 hours after a victim reaches out to Hope Alliance, a highly-trained certified advocate is waiting to meet face-to-face to begin the process of healing.

All of Hope Alliances services are provided free of charge. That includes the 24-hour hotline; an emergency residential shelter; housing advocacy; counseling and support groups; educational services; legal advocacy; accompaniment to the hospital when needed; court and law enforcement appointments; and professional trainings and community education to inform others on the dynamics, effects, and prevention of domestic violence/sexual assault. In 2015 Hope Alliance provided education, violence prevention services, and crisis intervention to victims of family and sexual violence to 3,600 residents in Williamson County.

Patty brought us to the residential shelter and introduced us to the shelter’s staff, including Director Cassie Smith. When we entered the building, we noticed an amazing aroma coming from the kitchen and realized that it was lunch time. Several women and children were cooking and eating lunch. Patty explained that each person in the shelter is responsible for cooking their meals, washing their clothes, and picking up after themselves. As we toured the shelter, we also saw indoor and outdoor play areas for the children and communal areas for families to relax.

Most of the men, women and children arrive at the shelter with just the clothes they are wearing. Many have no money in their purse or pocket, and they often come with a child who is in need of help. However, the overarching feeling I sensed during our tour was one of safety, security and hope.

Our Seeds of Strength $20,000 grant pays the salaries of the trained night and weekend shelter advocates. These staff members complete intakes for families coming into the shelter. This involves an orientation to the available shelter services, creation of a safety plan, a tour of the shelter, addressing the client’s needs for clothing and food, and, very often, crisis intervention. The advocates are trained peer counselors who can provide access to medications, case manage problems, and make referrals for additional services. When I asked an overnight advocate how she would describe her primary responsibility, she stated, “It is to listen and respond to clients’ concerns, complaints, sadness, fears, hopes and joys so that they can focus on working toward their goals.”

During the past four months, 130 clients have been admitted to the shelter. The demand is high but the space available is limited. The shelter is forced to turn away 40 families per month. These families are either placed on the shelter’s waiting list or referred to shelters in other counties.

The length of stay for each resident is determined by individual needs and progression on the client’s service plan. Upon discharge, each resident is referred to Hope Alliance’s weekly counseling and support groups, and additional services that may be required. Patty reported, “On average, seven times a victim will seek our services or similar services before they can end an abusive relationship.”

Patty shared a recent success story about Lucy, who was a resident of the shelter last year and had to return this year when her estranged husband located her and her children. Just as she did the first time, Lucy utilized the computer lab, transportation program, and counseling resources available to her during her stay. Through hard work and perseverance, Lucy was able to secure a permanent job in the technology industry and also new housing. She continues to utilize Hope Alliance’s counseling and legal advocacy services and is saving to buy a vehicle of her own.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, and every month, it’s gratifying to know that our Seeds of Strength Grant is making a difference to clients at Hope Alliance.