Community Resource

Center for Hope and Safety

(201) 498-9247
Rochelle Park

Center for Hope and Safety

Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters) is dedicated to assisting victims, and their children, of domestic violence by turning fear into safety, helplessness into strength, and isolation into hope.

We are a not-for-profit agency founded in 1976. We strongly believe that every person has the right to be safe, empowered, and free from violence and the fear of violence. Our mission is to help you heal and grow through a wide range of services that give you the tools you need to leave the violence, and empower you and your children for new beginnings.

PALS (PEACE:  A Learned Solution) 201-300-6666 Ext. 21  is a research based intensive 6 month therapeutic program that uses creative arts therapies to assist child witnesses of domestic violence in the healing process.  Creative Arts modalities such as Art, Play, Music, Drama, and Dance utilize costumes, face painting, masks, Puppet Theater, and play to assist in the child’s healing. Through creative experiences, a child can express his or her inner world in a way that is natural and non-threatening allowing the child to begin to heal from intense experiences without the re-traumatization of explicitly discussing it.

A crucial element of PALS is staff involvement with the family. As the children work on experiences, the custodial parent works intensively with a PALS therapist and a case manager to address the parent’s own victimization, parenting concerns, and concrete family needs.

HOTLINE Numero de emergencia las 24 horas - If you or someone you know is being abused call our 24 hour hotline.  (201) 944-9600

Services

Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter Our Sisters) is the only private, non-profit agency dedicated to sheltering Bergen County’s women and children who are affected by domestic violence. Center for Hope and Safety provides a comprehensive umbrella of support services to help women and their dependents attain safety, build a strong foundation for healing, gain self-reliance, and stop the cycle of violence.

Emergency Shelter Program

We offer safe and confidential housing 24/7, as well as basic needs for women and children as they escape violence. A variety of services are provided: therapeutic counseling, case management services, court and legal assistance, advocacy, community resource referrals, job and housing searches, and Hispanic outreach.

Children’s Services

The children’s program is designed to stabilize a child’s environment and to counteract the effects of abuse by addressing the anxiety, depression, anger, aggression, self-esteem problems, and impaired social skill development that result from exposure to violence in the home. It includes preschool activities for toddlers, after school programming for adolescents, tutoring, case management services to assist with schooling and referrals to community services, and social-recreational activities.  We offer an art therapy program to help children who come to the Safe House experiencing chaotic circumstances as they adjust to a new environment. Therapy sessions provide children the opportunity to express themselves in a non-judgmental, private setting, where the emphasis is placed on therapeutic experiences that are fun, teach appropriate behaviors, and build self-esteem.

Promoting Self-Sufficiency

Helping women achieve financial success is an important step toward bolstering their new independence. PSS is a job readiness-training program that assists women in gaining education. A Career Trainer helps women in areas such as: resume writing and interview techniques; basic academics and earning a high school or college diploma; and computer skills and personal financial management. The primary focus is education and support toward financial empowerment and economic independence.

Transitional Housing

Center for Hope and Safety offers low-cost housing to women (and their children) who are ready to move forward from the shelter but could benefit from continued time and support to build their independent living skills. Five transitional residences located throughout Bergen County offer clients the opportunity to function more independently as they pursue personal goals often focused on vocational, financial, legal, and housing needs. The Transitional Housing Director and the Life Skills Trainer provide supports services in the areas of crisis intervention, legal advocacy, independent living skills, and community referral.

Follow-Up Program

Staff continue to offer counseling, case management, legal advocacy, and community referrals to former residents. The program provides a trusting link to help families reintegrate into the community and maintain their independence.

Project CHILD

A community-based program that strives to build Confidence, Hope, Independence, Love, and Direction for child victims and/or witnesses of domestic violence. It is the only full service program in Bergen County providing intensive therapeutic treatment utilizing creative arts therapy, case management, transportation to and from the location; parent support groups; and financial assistance for child care and summer camps.

Outreach, Multicultural Services & AED

Bilingual counselors are available to provide advocacy and community referrals.  The Assistance to the Elderly and Disabled (AED) program offers services for older adults  (60+) and disabled victims who are unable to live in the Safe House. The program give elderly victims the comfort of services catered to their personal needs.

Emergency Legal Services for Victims of Domestic Violence

The legal program provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence in family law matters. We offer services ranging from advice and counsel to representation in court for hearings. We provide legal assistance in Restraining Order Hearings and issues related to domestic violence including custody, safe visitation, support, and other family law matters related to domestic violence.

Age Groups
  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Seniors
Community Services
Arts & Recreation
Basic Needs / Assistance
Health Services
Crisis / Safety

Last Updated: 03/29/23