Since 1974, The Hope Center for Children has served an average of 3,500 children and families annually through six cohesive programs ranging from providing residential care for children in foster care or homeless young adults, to providing parenting education and training for families in crisis and at risk of having their children removed for abuse or neglect. Additionally, therapy and clinical services are available for anyone in the community who has experienced abuse or neglect at any point in their life.
The mission of Hope Center for Children is to build stable, healthy families and to provide children a safe place from abuse and neglect.
Throughout the pandemic, HCFC continued care for children in residential programs, and the program’s Family Teachers embraced their new role as school facilitators for virtual learning. Hope Center for Children has also expanded their community-based programs virtually for families who need parenting support and education over the last 18 months. Thanks to generous donor support, HCFC staff were able to maintain contact with current clients and expand and the virtual program to previously inaccessible community members who began utilizing the Positive Parenting Program when parent stress was at an all-time high.
What’s next?
HCFC is in the process of finalizing a partnership with DSS and Prisma Health to create an assessment center where every child in foster care in Spartanburg (including private homes) will have the opportunity for medical, behavioral, and therapeutic evaluation upon their entrance into DSS custody. This whole health assessment by staff trained to recognize and support youth who have trauma experience will result in more comprehensive treatment and care, and healing and hope for children in the community.
How you can support HCFC each giving opportunity is an invaluable way to support the critical needs of vulnerable children and families in our community. You can support their efforts through donations of needed items, regular or one-time financial gifts or, attendance at one of their annual fundraising events. On August 28th HCFC will host the 9th Annual Tailgate Trot. Come out and cheer on your favorite college team while enjoying live music, a silent auction, and raffle drawing.