Local Organization Spotlight: Center of Hope
We’re excited to welcome another great organization to our Support Local App! They will be one of our founding members that users like you will be able to support with your receipt donations and direct campaign funding. We caught up with Cindy Simms the executive director of Center of Hope to talk more about what they do in Columbia and surrounding cities.
What’s the story of Center of Hope?
Center of Hope was founded in 1989 shortly after the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence determined that there was a need for emergency shelter and counseling for victims of domestic violence in Maury County. It began as a grassroots movement in Columbia with the help of the Columbia Business and Professional Women's Association (BPW) teamed together with the Coalition to bring services. With the help of local volunteers, the BPW donated their time to establish a shelter facility and provide crisis counseling, information and referrals to battered women. Due to the demand, COH quickly grew from a hotline and shelter into a comprehensive agency, expanding its services to provide court advocacy and other advocacy services. Over the years, Center of Hope has continue to progress and build upon its resources to include victims of sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. We have also expanded to include services for male victims. We are still the only agency in Maury County dedicated to combating domestic violence, sexual violence and stalking; our services today range from crisis intervention to long-term case management.
Tell us a little bit about Center of Hope to those who may not know.
Maury County is 4th in the State for Domestic Violence. Tennessee is 4th in the Nation. Domestic Violence affects 1 in 3 families, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men. COH provides several different services and we have expanded our services into 3 additional counties. COH serves Maury, Giles, Lawrence and Wayne Counties. We provide a 24-hour Crisis Hotline, we have 2 Emergency Shelters, Provide Hospital Accompaniment, Family & Friend Support, Needs Assessments, Future Planning, Transitional Housing, Safety Planning, Case Management, Transportation, Therapeutic Counseling, Court Advocacy, Needs Based Advocacy, Hope Boutique, Workshops/Trainings.
What’s your favorite thing about being and supporting folks in Columbia?
This is my hometown and I love Columbia. Growing up here, I never realized how big of an issue Domestic Violence really was. I am very happy to have the opportunity to, along with an amazing staff, come along side overcomers and provide resources and really meet the needs of those in this battle.
What’s something that’s really challenging running a non profit like yours?
As with many non-profits, it is educating the public about what we do and how to best reach those in need. And, of course, raising funds!
What do you love about your supporters?
I love the heart that our community has for those in need. There is so much generosity that it makes us hopeful for a brighter tomorrow.
Do you have a great story about the impact of COH?
We have so many great stories. Our stories are about those who gathered all the strength they had and left the abuse, most with nothing but the clothes on their backs, some with children, hoping for a refuge to peacefully exist. We have stories where they barely escaped and they carry life-long scars, some physical horrific scars, other physiological nightmare kind of scars, but they are overcomers and strong survivors. We also have stories of those that left but went back. Each has their own reasons, all of them valid at the time. We have been doing this for 30 years, so our stories are numerous. Ask a survivor yourself, statistics show that 1 in 4 of your girlfriends and 1 in 6 of your guy friends have a story.
To say COH has had an impact is an understatement.
Where do you see COH headed in the future?
I wish I could say we would work ourselves out of a job, however, I do not see that happening. Our goals are to continue serving our clients with excellence, continue our community outreach/education, OH!!! We are getting a facility dog! He/She will be a wonderful addition to our faculty. Be on the lookout for our Flamingos (that raise awareness for DV/SA), attend our amazing BooBash October event, and make plans to ring in the New Year with COH's Mule Drop!
Where do you see Columbia as a city in the next 5 years or more
Columbia is our big little town. I see more people and businesses finding our jewel and loving it and staying and raising their families here.
Why is it so important to support local, to Love where you Live?
This world is so big and there are so many opportunities to reach out and help; however, if we start in our own backyards then our community will be healthier for our children and grandchildren. Once we have made our own community the very best it can be, we can conquer the world.