Rochelle Park-based Center for Hope & Safety (CHS), Bergen County’s only not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping adults and children rebuild their lives beyond domestic violence and abuse, recently received a grant for $35,000 from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company). The grant will help fund operation costs for CHS’ Safe House.
“We are so grateful to BD for their generous support which has been essential as we sheltered more survivors and their children than ever this past year,” Julye Myner, executive director of Center for Hope & Safety said. “Our Safe House program enables victims of domestic abuse to take the first step in rebuilding their lives beyond domestic violence. Through this grant, we’ll be able to best serve victims and survivors and connect them to vital support services.”
CHS’ Safe House emergency shelter consists of 10 rooms and 39 beds and includes bathrooms, dining and common areas, an industrial kitchen, a playroom, case management offices and an outdoor playground. Victims of domestic violence are referred to CHS through its free 24/7 hotline as well as by police departments, hospitals, churches, schools, social service agencies. In 2022, CHS provided emergency shelter to 373 individuals, representing an increase of 151 persons from 2021, the highest census in the agency’s history.
Since 1976, Center for Hope & Safety has worked to ensure that every person can feel safe, empowered and free from violence. The agency offers a wide range of services designed to help both individuals and their children escape from domestic violence situations, as well as resources for fostering new beginnings, including safe housing, escape planning, financial workshops, career counseling, job development, housing counseling services, and free legal services.
