Circle of Hope's Mission and History

 Mission Statement

 Circle of Hope's mission is to support, empower and bring hope to those 
 affected by domestic violence.

 History

 The Habersham County Task Force on Violence in the Family formed and met 
 in October 1987 to conduct a community needs assessment on the needs of
 domestic violence victims.  The outcome of that meeting was the formation of
 Circle of Hope.  Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in November, 1987, Circle
 of Hope set up a telephone line to provide referral services to victims of
 domestic violence. 

 Volunteers worked from January 1989 to September 1990 to transform an 
 abandoned farmhouse into a shelter offering a homelike atmosphere to women
 fleeing dangerous relationships.  Two hours after its official opening in
 September of 1990, the shelter accepted its first resident. 

 In 1991, Circle of Hope received State licensing from Department of Human  
 Resources, becoming eligible to receive State funding.  Ten beds were available
 for women and children needing a safe place to stay.  The thrift store was 
 established in 2001 to increase revenues for the shelter.  In 2002, services were
 initiated to offer comprehensive support services and support groups to Spanish
 speaking victims of abuse.

 In 2002, Circle of Hope enhanced our Outreach Program by opening satellite 
 offices in Stephens and White Counties.  Both offices maintain full time 
 advocates who are available to meet with victims of abuse in their County of
 residence.  Comprehensive support services, including legal advocacy and 
 weekly support groups are available in these outreach offices. 

 In September 2003, a Community Development Block Grant was awarded by 
 Department of Community Affairs allowing Circle of Hope to construct a new
10,000 square foot shelter facility.  Construction began in 2004 and in August
 2005, the new facility opened.  Circle of Hope is currently licensed to house 17 
 women and children needing a safe place.

 October 2003, Circle of Hope initiated a K-12 school based Prevention Program. 
 Curriculums are presented to students to educate them about healthy 
 expression of feelings, bullying, self-esteem issues, and dating violence.

 In June 2007, Circle of Hope implemented a transitional housing program.  The 
 program utilizes five local apartments and is funded by HUD.  Families selected
 for the program are eligible to participate for 2 years.  In addition to paying 30%
 of  their income into a savings account that they have returned to them upon
 exiting the program, they receive comprehensive support services that help them
 further their education and overall well-being.