
Contributed report
Rivers of Hope (ROH), the domestic violence center serving Wright and Sherburne Counties, is urgently calling upon the community to rally behind the critical cause of supporting youth experiencing domestic violence. The statistics continue to paint a grim picture of the challenges faced by community youth and ROH needs your support to continue providing essential advocacy, education, and support services to those in need.
The need: 2022 data from the Minnesota Student Survey underscores the urgent need for intervention and support for youth experiencing domestic violence. Over 700 students in 8th, 9th, and 11th grades reported experiencing some form of family violence in Wright and Sherburne Counties alone. In that same year, ROH provided services to 200 youth indicating a significant gap in the number of students experiencing relationship abuse and those accessing services.
Rivers of Hope’s Response: Recognizing the severity of the situation, ROH is intensifying its efforts to provide a lifeline to youth experiencing domestic violence. Through Youth Advocacy and Education, ROH aims to equip youth with the necessary tools and resources to find safety from abuse. “From classroom presentations to one-on-one advocacy sessions, everything our youth advocates do is geared toward empowering youth to break free from the cycle of abuse and build a brighter and safer future for themselves.” said Hannah-Ruth Patterson, Executive Director.
In light of the urgent needs of youth experiencing domestic violence, Rivers of Hope appeals to the generosity and compassion of the community.
“We are committed to raising $25,000 to ensure that we can continue meeting the increasing needs of youth in the community,” said Patterson.
To support this vital cause businesses and individuals can make secure online donations through Rivers of Hope’s website (https://www.riversofhope.org/donate) or mail checks to PO Box 511, Monticello, MN 55362. According to Nick Zerwas, Board Chair, “Rivers of Hope’s annual Black & White Gala offers an opportunity for businesses and individuals to support the cause by sponsoring the event or donating items to the live and silent auctions”. The gala is scheduled for April 26th and to learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities email offrice@riversofhope.org or call 763-295-3433.
Every donation will make a difference in the lives of youth experiencing domestic violence.
“By standing together as a community, we can provide hope, support, and a path to healing for our youth,” said Patterson.
For more information on how to support Rivers of Hope, visit www.riversofhope.org or call at 763-295-3433.
“Together, let’s empower youth and build a safer, brighter future for all.”
Rivers of Hope provides free services to any adult or youth experiencing domestic violence and works to educate the community on its prevalence and the services available to survivors.
“Rivers of Hope’s annual Black & White Gala offers an opportunity for businesses and individuals to support the cause by sponsoring the event or donating items to the live and silent auctions”. The gala is scheduled for April 26.