Hope Heroes aims to help kids and teens affected by domestic violence
SafeNest—a non-profit organization committed to ending the epidemic of domestic violence—seeks nominations for their first Hope Heroes initiative. The non-profit is looking for locals to share their personal stories of overcoming difficult family circumstances to inspire children and teens who have been exposed to domestic abuse. Through their stories, they can be examples to the kids that a brighter future is within their reach.
What is a Hope Hero?
CEO of SafeNest, Liz Ortenburger says, “We take about a 100 kids away to [Camp Hope] every summer as part of our Pathways to Hope program. And part of that program is kids learn[ing] about people that have been through hardships in their lives and then have ultimately come out successful. We wanted to make that more local for our Las Vegas kids. We want to highlight local Hope Heroes, so that inspired us to start this search for who could possibly fit that bill.”
Camp Hope is a week-long summer program that is part of their year-round project, Pathways to Hope. This project helps children that have been affected by domestic violence with a mission to break generational abuse cycles. This year they are aiming to feature 3 to 5 Hope Heroes as guest speakers at camp.
The Nomination Process
On their website, Safenest.org, there is a simple form community members may fill out to nominate someone as a Hope Hero. Interested locals may also nominate themselves. Those who are selected will be asked to film a video sharing their story and are invited to speak at Camp Hope.
After the selection committee makes their decision, they will personally reach out to each of the nominees. Ortenburger suggests asking someone if they are comfortable with being in the program before nominating them.
“We’re not trying to pry into people’s misery,” says Ortenburger. “What we’re trying to do is find the parts of trauma in your childhood that our campers will relate to, so that when you share your successes our campers can see themselves in that story.”
The non-profit is accepting nominees for Hope Heroes until March 20.
“We know that connecting kids to people who have been through similar things to them and have come out of it happy and fulfilled is a huge part in breaking that cycle. Overwhelmingly, it is exciting to be able to do this part of our work and connect community members with kids that are suffering.”
CEO of SafeNest, Liz Ortenburger
Hope Heroes Revealed At Spring Soiree
During the Spring Soiree on May 7, SafeNest will publicly announce the selected Hope Heroes. The Spring Soiree is a celebration of SafeNest’s positive work. The Soiree will be a brunch event including interactive games with guests. Ortenburger’s enthusiasm shines through while talking about this new initiative.
“There’s always a little bit of nervousness when we try something new. This part of our work that we do at SafeNest, where we’re working to end this epidemic of domestic violence, is ultimately, incredibly inspiring,” says Ortenburger. “We know that connecting kids to people who have been through similar things to them and have come out of it happy and fulfilled is a huge part in breaking that cycle. Overwhelmingly, it is exciting to be able to do this part of our work and connect community members with kids that are suffering.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling in a household where they feel unsafe, reach out to SafeNest by calling or texting their hotline (702) 464 – 4981. For more information, visit their website at Safenest.org.
