HOPE for the Holidays

With Thanksgiving only a few days away and the rest of the holidays not far behind, let’s take a moment to give thanks for what we have.  A safe place to live and a good relationship with our partners can easily be taken for granted.  That’s why the Village is a big supporter of the Alle-Kiski Area HOPE Center.  The HOPE Center, located in Tarentum, PA, is an organization of social change whose mission is the safe elimination of domestic violence through intervention, prevention, and collaboration.

The Center offers five programs to help victims of domestic violence, including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transitional housing, medical advocacy, and a 24 hour crisis hotline.  They are also proactive in their stand against violence and offer violence prevention programs including classes for children, teens, and a high school dating violence education program.  The 24 hour hotline provides support, education, and options regarding each domestic violence situation, as well as referrals.  Their 30 day emergency shelter is a secure place for women, along with their children AND pets, who are experiencing domestic abuse and need a place to live or are homeless. Being able to bring pets and provide a safe place for them is a huge relief to victims of domestic abuse, as many choose not to leave their situation for fear of their pets’ safety.  During their stay, weekly education based life skills and goal planning are available to help the women gain confidence.  For longer term, there is also transitional housing option.

The HOPE Center is always in need of our support!  Let’s join together this holiday season and give back to a worthy cause.  If you would like to help out the shelter with a donation, they are requesting unwrapped toys for children. They are also always in need of socks, slippers, underwear, and pajamas for women and children, and pet supplies for dogs and cats such as food, treats, leashes, shampoos, toys, and beds. 

The Village will be taking donations for the HOPE Center at both Village locations until December 18th:

Village North - 1407 N. Mt. Royal Blvd, Glenshaw, PA 15116

Village West – 68 Wabash St., Pittsburgh, PA 15220

There is an Adopt-A-Shelter fundraiser benefiting the Alle-Kiski HOPE Center that will be held at Casey’s Family Restaurant in Shaler, on Saturday December 10th from 6 – 10pm, and will include family fun, a DJ, and raffle baskets.  Donations needed are unwrapped toys for children and pet supplies. 

Resources for Help and Awareness

If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of domestic violence, encourage them to get help!  For more info on what domestic abuse is, read here. 

More information about the Alle Kiski HOPE Center - http://www.akhopecenter.org/

Alle Kiski HOPE Center Crisis Hotline (888) 299-4673