Donate to HOPE of East Central Illinois today to help disrupt the cycle of violence.

Another school year has begun! Here at HOPE of East Central Illinois, we feel this change every year, as our children’s advocates work diligently to distribute school supplies and help families with back-to-school clothes, begin after-school programs, and as the parents in our emergency shelter attend orientation nights and their children choose outfits for school pictures. It’s an exciting time; it can also be a stressful and anxious one. Many of those in our shelter worry about how they will pay for back-to-school essentials. Experiencing or witnessing abuse at home, as 90% of children living in homes with domestic violence do, results in trauma that puts these children at risk for physical and psychological barriers to learning.

Schools are another area where we can disrupt the cycle of violence and provide life-changing help to children and families. HOPE is committed to providing public education about domestic violence and healthy relationships in schools, as well as crisis intervention and referrals for children and families who need them. Our children’s advocates go into schools in our seven-county service area to meet one-on-one with children who need their support to heal and grow at school, at home, and throughout their lives. We believe that we have a unique opportunity to help children recover and make healthy decisions for themselves as they navigate adolescence and progress into adulthood.

Your financial support makes these crucial programs in our community possible. Your donations ensure the continued provision of these services that nurture and equip children to heal, break the cycle of violence, and succeed at school and at home: violence prevention curricula to teach school-aged children, support from our children’s advocates, access to healthy after-school activities, snacks, homework help, games, and crafts during group nights, and staff who support, guide and give. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, respected, and empowered. Join us in our fight against domestic violence and be a beacon of hope for those who need it the most.