HANDOUT #7 11-12-2002RIVERS OF HOPE
Rivers of Hope strives to positively impact the
dynamics of domestic violence and empower victims
to move beyond surviva! through legal and genera!
advocacy, education and interagency collaboration.
November 5, 2002
0 ? 2002
Dear Elk River Mayor and Council Persons:
Rivers of Hope is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization that provides advocacy, education and support
services to victims of domestic violence. We serve the counties of Wright and Sherburne and in 2001,
we provided direct services to 1602 victims of domestic violence.
A summary of Rivers of Hope's services is as follows:
A 24-hour crisis line that is available by local or toll free numbers
Adult advocacy' program which offers victims legal and general advocacy, crisis support and
information and referral services to other resources including safe housing
· Criminal Justice Intervention Program that provides victims with legal advocacy through all
phases of criminal proceedings
. Youth Advocacy Program in which Advocates go weekly to local schools to provide students
in grades 7-12 education, support and advocacy
· Rivers of Hope's staff.provides community education in Sherburne and Wright Counties.
Staff goes by request to local churches, hospitals, law enforcement, schools and community
groups to educate persons concerning domestic abuse.
In addition, Rivers of Hope works diligently to establish cooperative relationships with other helping
groups. We have worked closely since 1989 with hospitals and clinics, law enforcement, schools,
Social Services and other helping agencies to provide assistance to victims of domestic violence. In
the last seven years, this collaborative work has resulted in a three-fold increase in the annual number
of persons served in the two county areas.
The cost of providing services increases while the revenue available to us continues to shrink. This
year, based on budget considerations and the number of persons we anticipate serving, our average
cost per person served will be slightly over $220. We need your help in continuining to provide these
services in your local area.
The incidence of domestic violence continues to grow. Recent figures indicate that one out of three
women will suffer some kind of physical or sexual abuse in their lifetimes. We all need to work
together to combat this serious problem in our communities. We know these are tight financial times
for all. Any assistance your community could give to Rivers of Hope will be most appreciated.
Please call if you wish us to present additional information to your group. Thank you for your time
and consideration.
S~r~cerel~,
Andrea Miles, MSW, MBA, Executive Director
P.O. Box 511 · Monticello, MN 55362
763-295-3433 · Outside the Metro 1-800-439-2642
riversofhope@charterinternet, net