For Forsyth County residents who may be experiencing issues with domestic violence, sexual assault, child maltreatment, elder abuse or human trafficking, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center offers much needed services – all in one welcoming place.
At no cost to individuals and families, those in crisis receive guidance and support from many of the center’s partner agencies.
“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and it’s a pleasure to provide this information to neighbors, friends, family members, co-workers, service providers and others who may be a primary contact for victims or survivors in need of support,” says Director DeWanna Hamlin. “Please see our website for updates on events at forsyth.cc/bridgestohope.”
Bridges to Hope is one of more than 150 Family Justice Centers in the United States using the evidence-based, best practice model for the purpose of reducing homicides, increasing victim safety and offender accountability, and providing easier access to services. Victims may file for an emergency Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B) and have their court hearing onsite. Other onsite options include victim support, advocacy, safety planning, assistance with law enforcement and criminal proceedings, and direct referrals for support groups, screening for public benefits, financial education, parenting support and more.
“Bridges to Hope provides wrap-around services for survivors of interpersonal trauma to reduce the number of visits to agencies in multiple locations,” DeWanna shares. “Clients often face challenges related to childcare, limited transportation and access to services. The Center also involves partner agencies from various perspectives working together to enhance policies and processes that affect institutional and systemic change.”
The center also recognizes the crucial ways children are affected socially, emotionally, cognitively, physically and academically as a result of experiencing – or even witnessing – traumatic events. Referrals to trusted community organizations that provide counseling for both adults and children are provided.
Bridges to Hope’s partner agencies include: Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina, Experiment in Self-Reliance, Family Services, Inc., the Office of the Forsyth County Clerk of Court, Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office, Forsyth County Judiciary, Forsyth County Magistrate’s Office, Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, Kernersville Police Department, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Next Step Ministries, North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, The Parenting Path, Winston-Salem Police Department, and the Forsyth County Health and Human Services Departments Behavior Health Services, DSS, and Public Health.
Administered and hosted by Forsyth County, Bridges to Hope Family Justice Center is located at 725 N. Highland Avenue, Annex 1, in Winston-Salem, NC. For more information on their services – and how you can help – call 336.776.3255 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Post Views: 101
