Our fourth Lincoln nonprofit finalist in the 100 Year, $100k Office Makeover Contest is Voices of Hope. Founded in 1975 as the Lincoln Coalition Against Rape, Voices of Hope seeks to help all victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as their families and communities, receive responsive, empowering services and support that meet their needs, both individual and cultural, through advocacy and education aimed at eliminating recurrence, challenging oppressive social institutions, and reducing violence and oppression. Answers provided by Marcee Metzger, executive director at Voices of Hope.
To vote for the Lincoln winner of the office makeover contest, click here!
Q: Why do you need an office makeover?
A: Voices of Hope is a small nonprofit that provides services to thousands of victims and their children annually. In 2017, we saw more than 2,000 face-to-face unduplicated victims. We have prioritized having available help 24 hours a day, the trained staff and emergency client assistance resources that are needed to ensure a safety net for those traumatzied by thesec crimes. On our limited budget, this means that most of our office furniture and equipment has been donated to us. All of our confidential services are free to victims and their families. This results in our services being accessible but doesn’t provide much in the budget to replace or update office furniture and equipment. Our facility is also used by law enforcement, culture center staff, human services agencies, shelters and other professionals who need a safe, confidential place to meet with a survivor and an advocate. It is also used for community training. It would be wonderful to have updated office furniture and equipment to increase efficiency and enhance our office to be more safe and welcoming. Voices of Hope is a great place to work. Every day the staff are making a difference and impacting lives. It would be nice to have some new or newer furniture and equipment to update the office. These amazing staff who are saving lives deserve chairs that aren’t duct-taped together.
Q: How do you devote ethical business practices to fulfilling your mission?
A: We strongly believe in ethical, responsible business practices. We have an active Board of Directors, conduct an annual independent audit of our financials, follow “Best Practices” provided by our state-wide Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Human Services Federation and federal, state and local funding guidelines. Voices of Hope is an incredible organization that provides 24 -hour a day services to the Lincoln/Lancaster Community. All of our services are free and confidential and provide back up for victim safety to law enforcement, hospitals and first responders to victims who have been traumatized by domestic and sexual violence. We have been providing these services for more than 40 years.
Q: What are some positive examples of your influence on the community?
A: Victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, as well as their families and communities, receive responsive, empowering services that meet their needs, both individual and cultural, through crisis counseling and education aimed at eliminating recurrence, challenging oppressive institutions, and reducing violence and oppression. Voices of Hope provides 24-hour-a-day crisis intervention, advocacy and case management services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, stalking and other related forms of abuse. We also provide public awareness and prevention presentations and office training to professionals who work with individuals who have experienced the trauma of relationship violence or sexual abuse. Voices of Hope is a safety net and voice for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Lincoln/Lancaster County. We are central players to our community Sexual Assault Response Team.
Q: Please demonstrate your leadership.
A: Voices of hope has been providing crisis services to victims in our community since 1975. We became an independent 501c3 organization in 1989. Marcee Metzger has been the Executive Director since 1989 and employs 30 full- and part-time staff, many who have 15-20 years of experience.