On this episode of the Charity Charge Show, host Grayson Harris sat down with Teresa Stafford-Wright, CEO of the Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, to discuss what it really takes to serve survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking and what it takes to keep those services running.
This is not light work. It is urgent, complex, and deeply human. And it requires more than just good programming. It requires strong operations, honest fundraising, and a community that understands what it actually costs to keep the doors open.
Overview
Serving Survivors Since 1974
The Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center has served Northeast Ohio since 1974. The organization supports survivors across Summit and Medina Counties with a full spectrum of services, including:
- 24-hour crisis hotline
- Emergency shelter
- Counseling and clinical services
- Court and legal advocacy
- Hospital accompaniment during forensic exams
- Prevention education in schools and community spaces
Every service is free. That is not negotiable.
As Teresa explained, survivors should not have to pay to recover from a crime committed against them. Whether someone calls at 3:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., they are met by trained professionals ready to respond through a trauma-informed lens.
This is both crisis response and long-term healing. And it requires serious infrastructure.
The Reality of Running a Shelter
Hope and Healing operates two shelters. The Summit County facility alone houses over 100 individuals, with roughly half of residents being children. The Medina County shelter houses about 25.
The operational load is significant:
- $6,000 monthly utility bills
- Three meals per day for over 100 residents
- Ongoing building maintenance for a renovated former nursing home
- Licensed clinicians and crisis specialists on staff
- Legal advocates who understand court systems
Grants often cover programming. They rarely cover operations.
Washer and dryers that have supported 500+ residents daily for ten years eventually fail. HVAC systems need replacement. Electricity keeps the building open.
These are not optional expenses. They are essential to safety and dignity.
Teresa made it clear. If the back office fails, the front door closes.
Rebranding Around Outcomes, Not Victimization
Recently, the organization streamlined its identity under one unified brand: Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center. Previously known as separate entities, the rebrand clarified services and shifted messaging.
Instead of leading with victimization, the organization now leads with outcomes.
The data supports that shift:
- Over 90 percent of survivors report increased feelings of safety and hope after engaging with services.
- Over 80 percent of clients who complete up to 12 months of counseling see significant reductions in PTSD symptoms.
That is measurable impact.
When donors understand that families return to the community healthier, safer, and more stable, the conversation changes. This is not charity for a moment. It is long-term community health.
The Hard Truth About Unrestricted Funding
For years, Teresa was told not to talk to donors about operational costs. Funders want programs, she was told. They do not want to hear about utility bills.
That advice was wrong.
When she began openly discussing sustainability, unrestricted dollars increased.
A local civic club funded new washer and dryers after understanding their importance to residents’ psychological safety and physical well-being. A donor family shifted from giving $5,000 annually to $25,000 after realizing that Hope and Healing addresses mental health, homelessness, children’s services, and education in one coordinated response.
The lesson is straightforward. Donors are capable of understanding sustainability. They just need to be invited into the full story.
Nonprofits are not just mission-driven organizations. They are operational businesses delivering essential services.
Launching Giving Circles to Expand Community Engagement
This year, Hope and Healing is launching giving circles.
The idea is simple. Instead of one person giving $100, ten people give $100 together. The collective impact feels larger because it is larger.
Giving circles are designed to:
- Engage young professionals
- Invite new donors into community-based philanthropy
- Create ambassadors for the mission
- Increase recurring and collective support
This model strengthens buy-in and builds sustainability without relying solely on major gifts.
It also aligns with Teresa’s broader philosophy: educate donors, trust them with the truth, and build long-term relationships.
A Leader Willing to Plant Seeds
One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Teresa’s willingness to have hard conversations.
Sometimes the answer is no. That is fine. The seed is planted.
Fundraising is not about short-term wins. It is about long-term trust, clear communication, and aligning donor values with real community impact.
Hope and Healing’s approach proves that transparency builds confidence, not resistance.
Q&A from the Episode
What communities does Hope and Healing serve?
Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center serves Summit and Medina Counties in Northeast Ohio, providing comprehensive services to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking.
What services are offered?
The organization provides a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, clinical counseling, legal advocacy, hospital accompaniment during forensic exams, and prevention education programs in schools and community settings.
How large is the organization?
Hope and Healing has approximately 100 staff members, both full-time and part-time. The Summit County shelter houses over 100 residents, with about half being children. The Medina County shelter houses around 25 residents.
Are services truly free?
Yes. All services are provided at no cost. The organization firmly believes survivors should not pay for recovery from crimes committed against them.
Why are unrestricted dollars so important?
Most grants are restricted to programming. Operational costs such as utilities, maintenance, food, and infrastructure often go unfunded. Without operational funding, programs cannot run.
What shifted in the organization’s messaging?
The organization moved from leading with victimization to leading with outcomes. Data now drives donor conversations, emphasizing increased safety, reduced PTSD symptoms, and long-term community health.
How do giving circles work?
Groups of individuals pool resources to collectively make a larger gift. This model increases engagement, expands donor bases, and strengthens recurring support.
What advice does Teresa offer nonprofit leaders?
Have the hard conversations. Educate donors about sustainability. Build trust. Fundraising is about long-term impact, not just short-term program funding.
