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.

Each of HopeWorks service, advocacy and education programs have put in place indicators of impact. These include: Counseling * Improvements to daily functioning on the part of survivors as indicated by reductions of symptoms demonstrated by decreased scores in CORE-10 and PCL 5 assessments. Legal Assistance * The goal of the Legal Department is to enable victims to appropriately assess available legal and non-legal options to maximize their safety and well-being. Indicators of survivor impact include: percentage reporting a better understanding of the legal process; percentage of those represented reporting that a protective order was granted or an agreement was reached with their abuser; percentage reporting that they have a safety plan in place, that they have an improved understanding of their safety needs, and that they have an increased sense of safety. Shelter * 100% of victims in imminent danger are placed in safe, secure shelter * Safety plans are put in place at entry and again at exit for all victims * Exit to appropriate housing is tracked for all shelter participants Advocacy * The percentage of clients reporting increases to knowledge of available resources both at HopeWorks and within the community is tracked. * The percentage of clients who go on to receive other services at HopeWorks (counseling, legal assistance, shelter) is tracked. * The percentage of clients who report a greater sense of safety is tracked. Community Engagement * The percentage of participants of community education events reporting gains to knowledge concerning intimate partner violence. * The percentage of participants in community education events reporting gains to knowledge of violence prevention practices.

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.