Story by: Natalie Hurst
The building is located on 6th at Myrtle in Boise.
You’ll find everything for immediate medical, legal, educational and social services.
“We can provide wrap-around, immediate services where they are constantly not having to re-tell their story over and over again,” Fisher said.
FACES of HOPE Executive Director Paige Dinger took CBS 2 on a tour and showed us where medical forensic examinations and follow-up care take place with an on-site physician and nursing staff.
“This is a great example of how St. Luke’s and St. Al’s partner together for one purpose: and that’s to make victims feel comfortable in safe,” Dinger said.
FACES of HOPE also partners with the University of Idaho to help with family law and protection orders.
In another room, murals depict images of strength and freedom and classes address topics like self-defense and empowerment.
All services are free of charge and free of judgment.
The folks at FACES of HOPE understand how hard it can be for victims to leave their abusers.
“We’re going to believe you ever time,” Dinger said. “We’re going to treat you the same every time, and we’re going to give you the same services the first time that we give you today.”
If a parent comes through the door with scared children in tow, St. Luke’s Cares has a special safe place for kids.
And one special area… this closet.
Victims, where they’re a woman or a man leaving a violent situation, can begin to start over.
“You can come here and completely transform yourself so that you can go to court or so that you can job to a job interview,” Dinger said.
Immediate needs can be fulfilled, from toiletries to baby diapers.
The process is streamlined for victims and helps the Ada County Prosecutor’s Office build a case against an alleged abuser.
“I think when people get that sense that they can get some help, that they can get immediate services, that they’re more inclined to stick with us, and stick with the case,” Fisher said.
FACES of HOPE offers services through the FACES of HOPE Foundation.
The annual “Light of HOPE” is coming up Wednesday, October 16th in the Pioneer Room at JUMP in Boise.
You can support the organization’s services by purchasing tickets here.
The event begins at 5:30 pm and concludes at 7:30 pm.