Faces of Hope

Both Faces of Hope locations will be closed on Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29. You may leave a non-urgent voicemail and we will return your call on Monday. We resume normal business hours (M-F; 8-5) for walk-ins on 12/2. ??208-986-4357 Always call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

??? Save The Date! ?? Join us on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Boise Centre for the 4th annual Faces of Courage benefit gala. This year’s inspiring evening will feature stories of resilience, critical fundraising, and keynote speaker Katrina Brownlee. A survivor of domestic violence, Katrina overcame unimaginable challenges after being shot 10 times by her abusive fiancé, a correction officer shielded by his badge. She defied the odds, relearned to walk, exited homelessness, and joined the NYPD to reform the system from within, retiring as one of its highest-ranking detectives. Today, she mentors at-risk young women through her nonprofit Young Ladies of Our Future and shares her journey in her upcoming memoir, And Then Came The Blues. Mark your calendar to support survivors of domestic abuse and help us build a safer Treasure Valley. Tickets go on sale on January 7, 2025, and those interested in sponsorship packages may reach out to [email protected]. Stay tuned for more details!

According to the UN, last year 140 women were intentionally killed by an intimate partner or family member every single day. Only 5% of government aid is focused on addressing violence against women and girls, even though 1 in 3 women globally will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Faces of Hope advocates for survivors and provides a safety net of crisis intervention services for all victims of abuse and violence. It's up to all of us to educate, provide better training, grow our own knowledge, and advocate for more services for victims.

The phrase "boys will be boys" has long been used as an excuse to dismiss inappropriate or harmful behavior, especially when it comes to unwanted sexual behavior. However, this mindset perpetuates harmful gender norms and minimizes accountability. Boys, like girls, must be taught that their actions have consequences and that respect for others is non-negotiable. Holding boys accountable for their actions means teaching them from an early age about boundaries, consent, and the importance of empathy. It means reinforcing that harmful behaviors, whether physical, verbal, or emotional, are never acceptable and should not be excused based on gender. By challenging the "boys will be boys" narrative, we create a future where respect, accountability, and equality are the norm. Boys, like girls, are capable of understanding these values, and it is our responsibility to teach and uphold them.

For some of us, the holidays are joyful and full of togetherness, but they can be stressful and dangerous for those in abusive situations. The change in routine and isolation may leave some people feeling lost. If you're supporting someone in a dangerous partnership or home situation, let them know you're available, and mention victim services like Faces of Hope. If you are seeking a safety plan for the holidays, please call us at 208-986-HELP (4357).

?? READ on: Because we provide short-term services with a warm hand-off to our community partners for long-term care, we often don't get to hear a happy resolution. This former client reached out to share her story and the role Faces of Hope played in it, hoping that someone might resonate with it and reach out for assistance. "My ex-husband left after threatening to kill me, then attempting to strangle me. It ended up being a gift that he left and I didn't have to find a way to leave him with all three of my kids, especially still nursing my daughter. I had realized that I was in a domestic abuse situation with him while I was pregnant with my first. He gave me a black eye with a chair as I was trying to get away during a fight. He faced charges, but of course it was me who got him out of it. I had started seeing a counselor with the intention to "fix myself” so I could save my marriage. I had safety codes with my family in place (even though they didn't really believe me), a secret phone, a secret bank account, and diapers/extra clothes for my kids hidden in my car. If there is one thing that stands out the most about my experience with Faces of Hope, it was that you BELIEVED me. You checked in or were there to answer my call every day through that terrifying time. You guided me through each step, including the scariest, which was representing myself in my hearing for the protection order I had against him (thank you again, Margo [our on-staff attorney]). You coordinated care seamlessly with the Women's & Children's Alliance. I felt held, heard, supported, and comforted in ways I could have never imagined, and for the first time, that I was not alone. You helped me find hope that I could have a healthy life for myself and my children. And now, I do. Largely thanks to all of you." Some details of this story were omitted or altered to protect the client's privacy. If you or someone you know wants more info about our services, please give our caring staff a call at 208-986-HELP (4357).

For survivors of domestic violence, privacy and safety are essential. Did you know that Social Security offers the option to apply for a new Social Security Number (SSN), under certain conditions, if you’ve been a victim of domestic violence? This step can help protect you and ensure greater security as you rebuild. Check out the guide for more information on eligibility and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/g-_xawhU #SafetyforSurvivors #DVResources #DomesticViolence

Today we want to give a huge shout out to Alistair Realty Group for holding another successful blessing basket donation drive for our clients! They reached out to their networks to compile 40 laundry baskets full of Thanksgiving food, laundry detergent, toilet paper, blankets, and other goodies. We are so grateful for their support for families in crisis in our community! Thank you, Karey Hunter and Greg MacMillan, MBA!

No matter the relationship. Being married, in a committed partnership, or having a prior history of intimacy does not automatically grant ongoing or unconditional permission. Every individual has the right to say no at any time, and that decision must be respected without question. Sexual activity without clear, enthusiastic, and ongoing consent is a violation, regardless of the circumstances. Silence, freezing, the absence of a 'no', signs of arousal, appearing disengaged or a lack of any apparent discomfort, hesitation, or resistance does not imply consent.

We are honored to be Bubbly Facial Bar’s November Charity Partner. Check out their 30, 45, or 60-minute budget-friendly facials this month and add on a donation to Faces of Hope at the cash register. Keep an eye on their socials for the window of time they’ll be matching all online and in-store donations! Thank you for supporting survivors, Bubbly Facial Bar! ?? Check them out: www.bubblyfacialbar.com