Community
Stockton’s Own Hopes and Dreams
HAD’s mission is to stop this cycle of abuse in its tracks because studies have shown that children who witness abuse are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
Silhouette of girl holding balloons in support of domestic abuse survivors photo courtesy of the organization’s website.
Founded in 1999, The Hopes and Dreams Foundation works to assist communities in their fight against domestic abuse. This grassroots organization offers programs that aid in housing and job security as well as individual mental and emotional development for domestic abuse victims and their families.
Many abuse victims remain in their living situations because they simply have nowhere to go and no resources to secure housing. In order to combat this, HAD offers housing development programs that include emergency housing, first time home ownership/buyer education, and affordable housing preservation, rehabilitation, and development.
Without the financial stability to support a household, domestic abuse victims virtually have no means to escape their abusive partners/family. Economic programs that are offered to combat this situation include job creation, vocational skill development, financial literacy, entrepreneur education and workshops supported by grant funding, and business development.
Personal development and empowerment are vital aspects to ending the cycle of domestic abuse because, without it, victims are more likely to remain in their situations because they lack the courage and skills to leave safely. Programs that center around personal development include self-esteem development, leadership development, literacy, conflict resolution, and development of social skills.
According to their website, “Between 7 million and 15.5 million American children witness domestic violence annually, usually causing emotional and behavioral issues, self esteem problems, nightmares, and aggression. That’s roughly 90% of domestic violence cases exposing their children to abuse.” HAD’s mission is to stop this cycle of abuse in its tracks because studies have shown that children who witness abuse are more likely to perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
To further expand on why these programs are important for domestic abuse victims and their families, their website states; “ HAD Found’s goal is to promote healthy family relationships, develop leaders, encourage independence through education and personal development, facilitate the creation of opportunities for short- and long-term employment as well as provide affordable housing opportunities for low to moderate income families.”
The Hopes and Dreams Foundation is located at 8933 Hillcrest Ave. Stockton, Calif, 95210. Their hours are currently unavailable. For more information on programs and services, ways to donate, or how to get involved, you can contact their direct line at (877) 230-6301 or (323) 432-6734 or visit their website. You can also follow their Facebook for up to date information on services, programs, and events.
All information directly sourced from http://www.hadfound.org/
The Stockton Post’s coverage of local news in San Joaquin County is supported by the Ethnic Media Sustainability Initiative, a program created by California Black Media and Ethnic Media Services to support community newspapers across California.
