Since it was launched last year, the goal of this column has been to raise awareness about domestic violence and its widespread effects on our communities, schools and workplaces. We hope it has been illuminating and readers have learned more about this important issue. One of New Hope Midcoast’s resolutions for the new year is to share more details about our work with the communities we serve. As part of that effort, we wanted to take this opportunity to present some information and statistics highlighting the impact of this work.  

In fiscal year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023), our trained advocates provided direct service for 1,555 clients, facilitated 3,010 shelter nights, and delivered prevention and education services for 5,758 individuals. Ninety-two volunteers gave 7,311 hours of their time.  

We also launched two new educational initiatives. Our Roundtable Discussions provide an opportunity for our communities to learn more about domestic abuse and discuss its local impacts. The inaugural discussion was held in Boothbay last May with over twenty community members participating. Our annual Speaker Series brings timely talks to our coverage area featuring experts on domestic violence and prevention. We were grateful to have Dr. Nan Stein join us for the first event in September to share her expertise on sexual harassment and gender violence among teens. 

Our Residential Program team completed a training for new helpline volunteers and partnered with individuals and businesses who sponsored families for the holidays. During Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, our Education and Outreach Team brought educational materials to Damariscotta’s Community and Pumpkinfest, participated on a panel held in conjunction with a performance at Rockland’s Strand Theater, and presented Empty Place at the Table, a poignant and thought-provoking reminder of those who have died as a result of domestic abuse. 

Our Legal Advocacy Team collaborated with the Regional Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Program Coordinator to provide trainings on non-fatal strangulation for Islesboro Public Safety/Emergency Medical Technicians and the staff at Two Bridges Regional Jail in Wiscasset. They also attended the Maine Victim Assistance Academy and are working diligently to build and bolster our Pet Safe-Home Program.  

Our Board President, Vera Rand Roberts, received Camden National Bank’s SpotLight Award which honors nonprofit board members who “demonstrate innovative thinking and outstanding governance to advance their organization’s mission and impact.”   

Each month members of our staff write this Community of Hope column to address a specific issue in the field of domestic abuse. We invite you to read our most recent article, Where Does Safety Reside: The intersection of domestic violence and mass shootings, a timely piece prompted by the recent incidence in Lewiston at https://newhopemidcoast.org/where-does-safety-reside/. Visit https://newhopemidcoast.org/news-events/ to view all of the previous articles.  

New Hope Midcoast is one of Maine’s regional Domestic Violence Resource Centers and a member of the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. The nonprofit organization supports people impacted by domestic abuse, dating violence, and stalking through housing and legal advocacy, education and prevention programs, and a 24/7 helpline. New Hope empowers clients by providing options and treating everyone with care and respect. The organization serves Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties.