About two hours south of Kansas City, there is a small organization doing big things for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking. For 25 years, Hope Unlimited has been a safe harbor for victims of domestic violence in a four-county, mostly rural region of Southeast Kansas. Hope Unlimited has been a refuge and lifeline for hundreds of victims who would otherwise have to drive over 90 minutes to reach the nearest shelter facility. This small organization has literally saved the lives of countless women, men and children.
Serving Allen, Anderson, Neosho and Woodson Counties, Hope Unlimited provides therapy for sexual assault victims, mentors victims in safety planning, goal setting and crisis intervention and runs a shelter that is almost always at capacity. The latest state statistics on homicide show that almost 19% of all homicides are related to domestic violence. Thus, providing accessible, 24×7 emergency shelter and services is critical to stopping violence that can lead to harmful and sometimes fatal outcomes.
Dorothy Sparks, Executive Director, has been leading Hope Unlimited for 25 years. It began with a generous Board of Directors who opened their own homes to local victims of domestic violence. Now, Hope Unlimited runs a shelter at an undisclosed location, provides child advocacy services, staffs a 24-hour hotline and has been recognized by the State of Kansas for its vital and effective services. Accolades include a THRIVE Allen County award in 2022 and an Award of Merit from the Kansas Department of Commerce in Healthcare/Nonprofit. In this community, Hope Unlimited is well-respected among law enforcement, legal, and medical leaders.
The need for shelter has continued to grow, so Hope Unlimited has launched a capital campaign to raise $3,000,000 to build a new facility that will double their existing space and capacity. The organization never turns down a family in need. Social distancing requirements, combined with ever increasing domestic violence as economic and social pressures exacerbate, has forced Hope Unlimited to resort to motels to support those in need of immediate shelter. The new facility will allow the organization to move out of a two-story house – a logistical problem for victims who present with injuries. It will also allow families to bring their pets, which is often a deterrent to those seeking shelter, and will provide expanded childcare services.
Byrne Pelofsky has been working with Hope Unlimited on the planning and launch of this capital campaign over the past twelve months. We are proud to work with Hope Unlimited as they seek to bring critical services to the people of southeastern Kansas.
For more information about Byrne Pelofsky’s capital campaign planning and management services, get in touch with us at info@byrnepelofsky.com or 816.237.1999.