Rivers of Hope staffers opened their doors and welcomed the public to view their new office in Monticello Wednesday.
The organization, now in its 35th year, provides domestic and other abuse prevention services to victims in Sherburne and Wright counties.
They estimate they handled 1,000 cases in 1914 in the two counties, many of which were initial consulting, some of which went through the court system to include orders for protection and divorce cases.
Some clients require relocation services, which are handled on a temporary basis with housing. Essential living items, including gas cards, food products and clothing are being further developed and are available to victims. Their greatest need in clothing is for young children.
A small share of their funding comes from the two host counties; the largest share comes from grants and donations from individuals, local organizations, non-profit corporations and businesses.
Their programs and services include:
1. Adult advocacy and support services, which include crisis intervention and advocacy, available 24 hours a day - Tel: 1.763-295-3433, Toll Free: 1-800-439-2642. Free and reduced legal services are also available to clients;
2. Criminal Justice Inter-vention. Rivers of Hope staffers help fill out and file orders for protection and harassment restraining orders. They also do criminal justice intervention and case tracking for clients needing assistance in the legal system;
3. VIP Program, Youth Violence Intervention. One-on-one support services to middle and high school students in both counties;
4. Community Partner-ships. The organization partners with law enforcement, criminal justice and social services to extend help to clients.
The organization is staging a number of fundraiser events during the coming months.
Their first event - 2015 Be a Lifesaver, is being held at Russell’s on the Lake in Big Lake Thurs., April 16 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Domestic abuse victims and staffers will talk about their experiences.
Limited seating remains available - interested persons can RSVP.
A new event this year will be for the entire family. They are staging their first Bike Run, to start and end in Monticello, Sat., June 6.
Rivers of Hope’s largest fundraiser event of the year will be held in October at The Carousell Works in Big Lake. Their gala will provide a sitdown dinner and messages from victims and staffers.
Persons can register for any of these events by calling their office, or referring to their website: info@riversofhope.org.
Meanwhile, the organization has laid out all types of incentives for the public to help out with contributions.
They are accepting $10 gift cards for youth, $20 gas cards, $50 grocery cards, among other possibilities. And, looking for lunch? For $50, persons can sit down to lunch with Rivers of Hope staffers and learn first-hand about the organization and the work they do.
