Courtesy Photo Hope Shores Alliance Executive Director Valerie Williams, left, accepts a check for $1,000 from Banner Realty Broker and Owner Margie Haaxma, right. The money will be used to purchase a new commercial dryer.

ALPENA — Banner Realty has a continuous commitment to the nonprofits in the surrounding area.

Most recently, Banner Realty has donated $1,000 to Hope Shores Alliance for the purchase of a new commercial dryer.

Banner Realty Broker and Owner Margie Haaxma said the agency has been donating to area nonprofits “in celebration and to thank the community for helping to make this a wonderful place to live for 30-plus years of business in NE Michigan.”

Haaxma said Hope Shores Alliance was selected to receive the donation in April, since it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

“Banner Realty is delighted to come alongside and support (Hope Shores Alliance) for this very needed dryer, and for housing and care of the victims supported by Valerie Williams and the wonderful Hope Shores Alliance staff,” Haaxma said.

In a letter of appreciation to Banner Realty, Hope Shores Alliance Executive Director Valerie Williams said, “Your dedication and passion to those we work with every day is a major reason we feel so blessed to live and work in this community.”

Hope Shores Alliance is a multi-service agency covering the largest area of Michigan as compared to similar agencies in the state; with Hope Shores Alliance services reaching across five counties and over 3,000 square miles. Hope Shores Alliance supports primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking and domestic and dating violence.

“The hallmark of our services is that these services and activities are provided voluntarily and free of charge,” Williams explained in the letter. “We assist survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in overcoming physical, emotional, psychological and cultural barriers that prevent them from escaping abusive situations; and support them in addressing the emotional, psychological and physical effects of trauma.”

Last year, 444 survivors accessed in-person services at our various service sites across the region. Hope Shores Alliance serves five northeast Michigan counties: Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency and Presque Isle. HSA administrative and services office and emergency shelter are located in Alpena. Outreach and services offices are located in Oscoda and Atlanta, and a counseling office is in Rogers City.