Pictured from left to right are Valerie Williams, executive director of Hope Shores, Kathy Brown, FFNM Legacy Foundation secretary, and Stacy Szczukowski, Hope Shores executive assistant.

First Federal of Northern Michigan Legacy Foundation recently presented a $1,500 grant to Hope Shores Alliance. The $1,500 will be used to provide current and relevant training to the more than 70 volunteers that give of their time and talents to the organization. Hope Shores Alliance is the largest multi-service agency in Michigan serving Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency and Presque Isle counties.Their primary goals are to believe, support, and validate survivors of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, and domestic abuse and do what they can to help ensure their safety. Services are free, confidential, and voluntary and include 24-hour help and support line (800-396-9129), advocacy, counseling, supportive listening, emergency shelter, long term housing, and much more.

Volunteers are the “heart of the agency” stated Executive Director Valerie Williams. They are vital in providing many of the services offered by the organization, including answering the help and support line, providing childcare for survivors’ children, supporting group facilitation, moving household goods to new locations, assisting in fundraising events, maintaining their safe house and staffing the second hand store, Seconds on Third, located in Rogers City.

To find out how you can become a volunteer or to learn more about the services offered by Hope Shores Alliance, visit hopeshores.org or contact Williams at 989-356-2560.