It is an exciting time for Circle of Hope as the local nonprofit prepares to move into its new outreach center in Demorest. With plans to open in the summer of 2024, the 5,000-square-foot building will become the hub for the domestic violence services the agency offers.
Under one roof
Passersby have watched for months as the building has taken shape at its new location on Central Avenue/US 441 Business. The facility will feature counseling lounges, a group therapy room, a children’s playroom, a private intake area, and a room for community events and training.
Staff at the new facility will provide a wide range of services, including legal assistance, safety planning, and life skills and parenting classes. The center will also house a food pantry, and clients will be able to get help with housing and other types of financial assistance.
“It is an opportunity that allows the legal advocates, housing program case managers, counselors, and the administrative team to be under one roof,” explains Circle of Hope Executive Director Suzanne Dow.
The projected cost of the new facility is $550,000. Circle of Hope is now engaged in a major fundraising campaign to pay for it. The campaign is aptly named ‘Serving Others Under One Roof.’ This initiative is just the latest in a long line of expansion projects Circle of Hope has undertaken through the years as the agency evolves in its mission to offer hope and freedom to victims of domestic violence.
RELATED:
Started for those in need of hope
The Circle of Hope has been offering services in Habersham, White, and Stephens counties since 1987, when it began its mission “to support, empower and bring hope to those affected by domestic violence through advocacy, awareness, education and community partnerships.”
Each year it has developed more avenues to help those who need assistance.
Circle of Hope began by offering crisis intervention and support group services. For two years, volunteers remodeled a donated farmhouse and the Emergency Shelter Program opened in September of 1990.
In 1997, Circle of Hope started a Legal Advocacy Program and, in 2002, expanded the program by opening satellite offices in Stephens and White counties. Also, in 2002, they began offering bilingual support services for Spanish-speaking clients.
The private nonprofit continued to grow and develop services for the community, such as a school Prevention Program.
In 2005, a new shelter facility was added, and a housing assistance program for transitional housing through a partnership with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV).
Today, Circle of Hope offers four supportive housing programs, such as a reentry pilot project in partnership with the Lee Arrandale Transition Center, communal living housing assistance, and scattered site rental assistance programs.
Ways to help
There are various ways to financially support the Circle of Hope’s Serving Others Under One Roof campaign.
“Many contractors have already donated both materials and labor to the project,” Dow says. “And we are grateful for all who have donated financially and physically. ”
Making a gift by cash, check, or credit card goes immediately into the building fund. Gifts may be pledged over three years. If you desire, they can accommodate recurring credit card charges at intervals you select.
