Men of Hope

Center for Hope and Safety is founded on the vision and belief that every person has the right to be safe, empowered, and free from violence and the fear of violence. Central to this belief, CHS seeks to eliminate domestic violence.

Creating a world without domestic violence is a challenge for all of us, women and men. According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, "There is a growing awareness that men, in partnership with women, can play a significant role in ending violence against women."

At Center for Hope and Safety, we have encouraged the involvement of men in the community throughout our 42-year history, and many "Men of Hope" have stepped forward to volunteer their time, thought, effort, energy, and resources to further our live-saving, life-rebuilding mission--for all victims of domestic violence--women, men, and children.

As we begin National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and launch our participation in the Allstate Foundation's Purple Purse Challenge, we call attention to three CHS Men of Hope who have set a shining example for others in the community who want to make a difference. We hope you will be inspired and energized by their stories and inspired to support CHS as well.

Dan Meredith	Jack Weldin	Mike Grottola
In 2016 Dan and Kristin Meredith, owners of the Dan Meredith Allstate Agency in Rutherford, NJ were introduced as partners to CHS for the Allstate Purple Purse Challenge. That year they not only raised funds for the Purple Purse, but they helped CHS spread the word about the challenge.  When the challenge ended, Dan and his agency didn't stop there!!! In all of the community activities they participate in, they raise awareness about DV and CHS.  They've collected much needed items for our clients such as winter coats, clothes, linens and holiday gifts.  Dan has  organized other NJ Allstate offices to partner with us for our annual walk against DV which has resulted in signifant donations to CHS from  Allstate.  We are so grateful for all that Dan has done for CHS and that is why he is our Man of Hope this year.	When it comes to the Holidays, CHS counts on the community to give our clients an incredible holiday experience.  But there are a few individuals who have been giving for more than 19 years!  And “Jack” Weldin is one of those special people.  Over the years the donations have ebbed and flowed, but we have always been able to count on Jack as a reliable and dedicated community member.  Jack has involved more and more schools and organizations over the years.  Staff looks forward to Jack showing up every year. You can count on him to always have a smile on his face and asking “What else do you need?”  For these reasons we are honoring Jack as one of our Men of Hope.	In 1997 Mike and his wife, Kathy, adopted their two daughters, Anastasia and Irina, from Russia.  Both daughters were born into an abusive home.  Anastasia was helping others.  She wanted to be a psychologist when she grew up and use her difficult background to understand others and reach out to them in ways others could not.  Anastasia, however, could never overcome the PSTD she suffered from her birth parents. In 2016 she died at the age of 25 from a drug overdose.  Mike is our Man of Hope because he used this tragic loss to help others by establishing the Anastasia Fund to support CHS.   The funds received are used for art therapy which helps children heal from the violence they have experienced.
To make a donation in Dan's honor CLICK HERE	To make a donation in Jack's honor CLICK HERE	To make a donation in Mike's honor CLICK HERE

Thank you to everyone who attended our

3rd Annual Walk

In spite of the rain, we had a great turnout at our walk on October 13, 2018.  Thank you Scott Reddin for providing the music and games. We especially want to thank our Allstate Community Partners and our Sponsors.

UPCOMING EVENTS