HopeWorks of Howard County, Inc.

To support and advocate for people in Howard County affected by sexual and intimate partner violence and to engage our community in creating the change required for violence prevention.

HopeWorks looks to collaborate with our community in efforts towards racial, economic and gender justice, seeking solutions that address the needs of all who are affected by sexual and intimate partner violence.

HopeWorks strives to provide high quality counseling, shelter, legal and advocacy services to victims of violence.

HopeWorks emphasizes physical, psychological and emotional safety for survivors and helps them rebuild a sense of control and empowerment.

HopeWorks seeks to provide education and training that engages the public in building a compassionate and violence-free community.

HopeWorks provides comprehensive and compassionate services to people experiencing sexual and intimate partner violence.

Advocacy Services
* 24-Hour Helpline for connection to services, resources and information
* Hospital Accompaniment Program providing comfort, support and advocacy to survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, or
human trafficking

Shelter Services
* Crisis shelter for survivors (and their children) of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking
* Transitional housing and rental assistance for survivors needing longer term assistance.
* Short-term housing for animal companions

Counseling for Survivors
* Crisis appointments
* Individual and group counseling

Legal Assistance
* Brief advice, information and referrals
* Consultation and legal representation in peace and protective order matters
* Daily support and advocacy provided at Howard County District Court

Prevention Education and Community Wellness Programs
* Workshops for schools, faith communities, businesses and civic organizations
* Survivor's Wellness and Advocacy workshops
* Youth Leadership Project - a service learning program for teens.
* Survivors Speakers Bureau

HopeWorks has been providing services to victims of violence since 1978.

HopeWorks has a deeply committed and highly trained staff fully capable of meeting the varied needs presented by survivors of violence.
HopeWorks has worked hard to put in place high quality, best practice and trauma-informed advocacy and services throughout its programs.

Services are provided by fully certified social workers, case managers, advocates and attorneys.

HopeWorks has the financial resources, bricks and mortar structures, and technological systems necessary for the successful operation of its programs. This organization is supported by a broadly-based revenue stream incorporating government, foundation, corporate and individual sources of financial support.

HopeWorks has made significant progress towards its goals.

Using the metrics listed above, this organization has met the following outcomes:

Counseling
* 70% of clients (who remained in counseling at least 90 days) saw a reduction in symptoms as measured by CORE-10 and PCL 5 assessments.

Legal Assistance
* 90% of legal clients reported a better understanding of the legal process
* 80% of legal clients represented by an attorney were granted a protective order or reached a private agreement with their abuser
* 80% of legal clients reported that they had an improved understanding of their safety needs and had an increased sense of personal safety.

Shelter
* 100% of victims in imminent danger were placed in safe, secure shelter
* 100% of shelter residents had safety plans drawn up at entry and again at exit.
* 70% of shelter residents exited to permanent or supportive housing (some participants opt to return to their abusers, others leave shelter without providing word of where they are going.)

Advocacy
* 90% of clients who reach out to the Advocacy Department (Hotline Calls, Walk-ins, Lethality Assessment Program referrals, Hospital Accompaniment) report increases to knowledge of available resources.
* 90% of clients report a greater sense of safety after speaking with an advocate.
* The percentage of clients who go on to receive other services at HopeWorks is a new metric for which no data is yet available.