ABOUT ::: Alternatives to Family Violence
NEWS & EVENTS
Seeds of H.O.P.E.
by Yolanda S. Gotier, Executive Director
With the advent of 2008 Alternatives To Family Violence will celebrate a milestone, our 30th year anniversary. Our new web site is a reflection of our past, present and our future. Throughout you will find ways in which you can be a part of our continued success. In addition we want to make sure that you are aware of the numerous opportunities to celebrate with us over the next year.
Almost 30 years ago, a small group of dedicated citizens created a network of “private safe homes” to house victims of domestic violence. Recognizing the extent of need within our community, the Adams County Office of Community Development and the Adams County Housing Authority assisted this group in obtaining a low interest loan to purchase our first property to house 26 women and children.
Since that first major milestone, Alternatives To Family Violence has made the transition from that of safe shelter provider to a full-fledged program offering continued support not only for those transitioning from the Safehouse, but for those seeking counseling for themselves and the children for past domestic violence experiences.
We are listening to the voices of women we have served, incorporating their realities into the way we do business. We have learned that a woman who has experienced violence is truly the “resilient expert” of her situation and we are there to provide her with counseling, support and safety.
We also know that to end violence, we cannot do it alone and must involved each of you, our community and the entire family. To that end Alternatives To Family Violence has moved out into the community, creating and broadening our base of community partners including those not “traditionally” associated with violence, such as daycare centers, local mechanics, trade unions, wellness centers, batterer intervention programs, financial education programs and corporations. It is through our partnerships both traditional and non-traditional that we are able to visualize and experience violence free communities.
Additionally, Alternatives To Family Violence provides training and technical assistance to organizations throughout the Denver metro area and nationwide allowing all women and children to realize our mission of H.O.P.E.—Alternatives To Family Violence provides Help, Options, Protections, and Empowerment to those subjected to violence and oppression while promoting nonviolence as a social value.
It is because of the legacy of the community vision of a small group of Adams County residents, that we proudly invite you to join us in our year-long celebration “Seeds of H.O.P.E”--A Year of Alternatives,” commemorating thirty years of services to Adams County and to all seeking to live a life free from violence.
“We do make a difference—one way or the other. We are responsible for the impact of our lives. Whatever we do with whatever we have, we leave behind us a legacy for those who follow.”
-- Stephen Covey