You might know of us from Hops for Hope (our one-of-a-kind home-brewed beer-tasting competition), or perhaps you’ve seen one of our billboards as you’re driving through town, but we wanted to take a minute to introduce ourselves properly.
Ray of Hope is a 501(c)3 multi-service organization that is committed to helping adult and child survivors and their families find the services they need in ONE place to recover from child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, teen dating violence, and stalking. Ray of Hope is launching into our 19th year serving kids and families who have been impacted by abuse. We’re a nationally accredited Child Advocacy Center and an Oklahoma Attorney General Certified Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Crisis Center.
The overarching goal of our child advocacy and domestic violence programs is to stop the cycle of violence by providing trauma-focused, professional, and compassionate care to men, women, and children impacted by family violence.
One of the most important things we do at Ray of Hope is to engage the community in keeping kids safe. If you would like training about how to Recognize and Report Child Abuse, just let us know. In that class, you’ll learn that in Oklahoma, everyone is a mandated reporter of child abuse or neglect. If you are concerned about the safety of a child, it’s your responsibility to make a report to the Oklahoma Child Abuse Hotline (1.800.522.3511). The most severe allegations of abuse often involve a comprehensive approach involving law enforcement, child protective services, the courts, and other community service providers. Ray of Hope collaborates with community partners to improve outcomes for child abuse survivors. We believe that it takes all of us to keep kids safe.
Ray of Hope provides support and resources to survivors of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault. Our advocates work with survivors to create a safety plan and to provide emergency protective orders and emergency shelter assistance or sexual assault forensic medical exams. If you are experiencing family or sexual violence, you can call our 24/7 crisis line (918.214.8886) to speak with an advocate.
Ray of Hope offers trauma-informed, evidence-based counseling and case management for adults and children. We host a weekly support group for survivors of domestic violence that helps individuals understand the cycle of violence and how that violence has impacted them and their children. This group empowers survivors to recognize unsafe or unhealthy relationships to help them on their journey to safety and healing. Our services are free of charge and available in Washington, Osage, and Nowata Counties.
We invite you to join us to learn more about how you can get involved by visiting our website, www.rayofhopeac.org, and following us on social media.
By the way, Hops for Hope is turning Fifteen and Fabulous, so save the date for November 2nd and join us in Hangar No. 1 for the best beer tasting in Oklahoma. Join us as we raise money and raise HOPE for survivors!
This article appeared in the January issue of Bartlesville Living Magazine.