Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center (H&H) announced a new expansion of its free, confidential services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking throughout Summit and Medina counties. The expansion is funded by the Ohio Department of Health’s Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP), which allows grantees to target up to two specific populations. H&H chose Black survivors and Spanish‑speaking survivors, recognizing the language, cultural and historical barriers that often keep these groups from accessing help.
Targeted outreach and bilingual therapy
To meet the needs of Spanish‑speaking survivors, H&H contracted with Linda Garcia Cruz, LISW, of Healing Roots Counseling, a bilingual trauma therapist. Cruz explained that bilingual therapy is more than translation; it connects clients to the language tied to their memories, family, and cultural expectations, creating a safer space for healing.
Building trust in Black communities
For Black survivors, H&H is taking the outreach outside traditional agency walls. Staff members visit libraries, hair salons, barber shops, housing developments and other community gathering places to share information about safety, resources and healthy relationships before a crisis occurs. The organization also hosted an “Empowerment Through Self‑Love” support group for women of color, giving participants a voice in shaping culturally responsive services.
Prevention programs for youth
In its second year, H&H partnered with Limitless Ambition on the “Purposely Chosen” school‑based program, which focuses on the experiences of Black girls. The curriculum aims to build confidence, resilience and a deeper understanding of healthy relationships, reinforcing the message that trust is built through consistent community presence.
Comprehensive survivor support
H&H’s continuum of services includes a 24‑hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, housing advocacy, trauma therapy, case management, support groups, hospital accompaniment, court advocacy and prevention education. The new grant will allow the organization to expand these offerings in the preferred languages and cultural contexts of the targeted populations, ensuring that every survivor can access help without having to adapt to a system that does not reflect their identity.
Leadership perspective
Chief Programming Officer Ashley Kline emphasized that culturally responsive care is not about creating separate systems, but about recognizing that survivors do not all experience violence or seek help in the same way. “Sometimes the first step isn’t asking someone to come into a shelter or office. It’s showing up where people already feel connected to their community,” Kline said.
How to get help
Anyone in need of assistance can contact Hope & Healing’s 24/7 hotline at 330‑374‑1111 by call or text, or visit hopeandhealingresources.org for more information.
Original reporting: Signal Akron — read the source article.
