Our Services

SHELTER AND SERVICES ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL

Circle of Hope's shelter is located at an undisclosed address for the safety and confidentiality of those who seek refuge.  Please call the 24-hour hotline to speak with an advocate if you need shelter.
 
The secure 6-bedroom shelter was constructed in 2005 and offers a homelike atmosphere with a common living, kitchen, and dining room.  The facility includes a computer lab, laundry room, children's play room, and a large outdoor playground for children.

Shelter is available for battered women and their dependant children.  Alternate sheltering arrangements are provided for male victims. 

Emergency Shelter
Shelter is provided for battered women and dependent children who are in danger and have no other safe place to go.  The shelter is staffed 24 hours a day.  Seventeen emergency beds are provided as well as food, clothing, counseling and advocacy.  An on-site dog kennel is available to ensure safety for the pets of our residents.

Non-residential Program
Advocates assigned to each county served by Circle of Hope offer support and services to victims of domestic violence who are not currently in the shelter-both former shelter residents and those who have never been in the shelter.

24-hour crisis hotline
Emergency crisis support, assistance and referrals are available by calling the 24-hour crisis line, 706-776-HOPE (4673) or toll free 1-800-334-2836.  All conversations are confidential.  TTY and translation services are available.

Legal Advocacy Program
Trained legal advocates provide information about accessing the legal system and assist victims obtain Temporary Protective Orders (TPO).  The advocate or a volunteer also accompanies the victim to court hearings and helps the victim navigate the judicial system.  Advocates also help eligible victims apply for Victim’s Compensation and pursue criminal warrants through magistrate court.   

Individual Counseling
Circle of Hope contracts with licensed therapists to provide counseling services to victims and their children.

Support Groups
Weekly support group offered in each county served by Circle of Hope.  Groups are for women who have left an abusive relationship or continue to live with their abuser.  Group provides a safe place for women to share experiences, offer encouragement, and offer support to help each other live violent free lives. 

Children's Program
Weekly children's support group is offered in each county served by Circle of Hope.  Mentoring, advocacy, and weekly activities are provided to children staying in the shelter.

Individual Support
Our staff and trained volunteers are available for confidential phone and/or in-person support sessions.

Prevention Program
Curriculum presented to K-12 school classrooms to educate children about healthy expression of feeling, self-esteem issues, bullying, and dating/domestic violence prevention. 

Supportive Housing Program
Permanent supportive housing for participants with substance abuse and/or disabilities available in tri-county service area. Supportive services are offered and participants contribute 30% of their income towards rent and utilities.

Transitional Housing Program
A stepping stone program designed for women to go from emergency shelter to violent-free permanent housing.  Utilizing five apartments, families are eligible to be in program for up to two years.  Support services are offered and residents contribute 30% of their income into a savings account that is returned to them upon exiting the program. 

Bilingual Program
Our bilingual advocate is available to assist Spanish-speaking victims of abuse.  Victims are provided with the resources, information and assistance to apply for waivers and visas applicable to their circumstance.  A weekly support group for Spanish speaking victims is available. 

TANF Assessment Program
Partnership with Department of Family and Children Services for victims of domestic violence to be assessed for safety factors when applying for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).  Through the assessment, requirements may be waived that can place a battered woman in danger (child support reporting, work requirements, etc.)

Parenting Groups
Residents and Non-residents can participate in the 6-week parenting group offered quarterly at the facility.  A trained parent aide facilitates the group and a variety of topics to assist with parenting issues are addressed. 

Community Education/Outreach
Training and education to schools, churches, civic organizations, and other agencies requesting information about domestic violence and Circle of Hope services.

Thrift Store
Accepts donations of good, usable clothing, furniture and household items.  All proceeds help fund the emergency shelter program.