Bluffton Today - Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse, Hope Haven merge
By: JESSICAH LAWRENCE
jessicah.lawrence@blufftontoday.com
Two local organizations have come together with a focus on creating a safer community by advocating for a change in the culture of violence.
Hope Haven executive director Shauw Chin Capps and Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse director Kristin Dubrowski debuted the partnership — Hopeful Horizons — last week.
“This is a partnership of two strong nonprofits joining forces strategically in order to broaden our reach, expand our services and grow our impact in the community,” Capps said. “We are excited about the new opportunities. Our community’s horizons are indeed hopeful.”
Merger discussions started about 18 months ago, as CODA and Hope Haven planned to become one organization working to end child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault.
“Our ability to increase awareness and prevention efforts and advocate for victims will grow through this merger,” Dubrowski said. “Together we will have a broader impact in ending the cycle of violence and abuse.”
Hopeful Horizons’ mission is to protect, treat and prevent, Capps said. It is a children’s advocacy, domestic violence and rape crisis center with a team working to end child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault through treatment, support, education, prevention and awareness.
Capps will serve as the chief executive officer while Dubrowski will be the chief operations officer.
“We will work toward our vision of a community without abuse,” Capps said.
Working with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, Hopeful Horizons will support those who are often the first on the scene when domestic violence, child abuse or sexual assault occurs.
“When we look at crimes against children, domestic violence and prevention and outreach, Hopeful Horizons is what I refer to as a one-stop shop. There is so much that can be done for the community,” Sheriff PJ Tanner said.
“In my career, the most challenging investigation we do is a crime against a child or a sexual crime against anyone. It’s a very daunting task. For years now, with Hope Haven and CODA’s involvement, it has made that challenge a little easier to cope with. We are looking forward to our continued partnership and continue to do the job needed to be done here in Beaufort County.”
Hopeful Horizons’ public office will be at 1212 Charles St. in Beaufort, where Hope Haven was located.
A ribbon-cutting for the satellite office at 10 Pinckney Colony Road in Bluffton will be held at 4 p.m. Monday.
The location of the domestic violence and abuse shelter remains private to keep those in need safe.
Solicitor Duffie Stone thanked the directors for all Hope Haven and CODA have done over the years.
“What I’ve seen in thousands of children who have been abused, rape victims, those impacted by domestic violence — all these people — and how CODA and Hope Haven have helped make their lives better,” Stone said.
For more information, go to www.hopefulhorizons.org.
