Human Response Network – Here for Us in Our Times of Need
I have a strong appreciation for nonprofits and all that they do, so I was thrilled to sit down with HRN’s Executive Director, Sheri White, to learn more about Trinity County’s Human Response Network. Sheri has been with HRN for 24 years and this is her 4th year as Executive Director.
This multi-faceted nonprofit (founded in 1980) is perhaps best known for its Crisis Line for spousal abuse victims (623-HELP) which is available 24 hours a day. Their first office was located in Hayfork – which is still in operation today.
HRN has a wide range of services including those related to domestic violence & domestic assaults – including empowerment services. These important services are available for both men and women. HRN’s services are sometimes needed to support people caught up in human trafficking – a growing problem in Northern California.
Childcare services include two-state preschools (Weaverville and Lewiston).
Childcare services are based on income-qualified fees. HRN also supports a daycare provider network with a similar funding model. There are family child care homes, and needs-based school-age programs to help parents. This network connects families with providers that meet their needs/qualifications. At times, HRN has also provided car seats and helmets for children in need.
Additional services include:
- Helping recipients with parenting skills such as budgeting and child discipline (to prevent losing custody);
- Supporting Fire victims with trailers, and septic payments, (in part) through funding from Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, our Mill, and with support from Senator McGuire;
- Transportation support in the form of bus vouchers, transportation vouchers, and one-time out of town bus passes;
- Hotel vouchers (needs-based);
- Tobacco education. HRN is a sub-contractor for Trinity County in this arena – checking on sales to minors, ensuring there are smoke-free environments, and addressing vaping-related challenges;
- Rape prevention services through a program that is now based in Junction City. This includes education for kids, empowerment coaching, etc. They also place bows during April (sexual assault awareness month);
- HRN supports an early prison release program (AB-109) that includes temporary trailer housing, job search assistance, and things individuals might need for a new job – like boots for those who land jobs working at the mill;
- Other community services include housing – providing assistance in getting into rental properties, paying rent or utilities, etc. Some grant funding for these services comes from the county and some come from the state. Transitional housing support is also available through HRN;
- HRN also assists Trinity County with supervised visits.
With a current staffing level of 28 employees, HRN is now focusing more efforts on Southern Trinity. These team members and the programs they support are 90% grant-funded – with current funding levels between $3.5 and $4.0 million per year.
You can learn much more about HRN by visiting their website – https://www.hrntrinity.org
We are truly blessed to have an organization like this in Trinity County. I hope you will share this information with others so that all those who might be in need are aware of the services available to them during times of need.
Are you looking for ways to give back?
I have been involved with great nonprofit organizations for most of my adult life.
Back in 2011, I took a year off from corporate roles to launch a site designed to help individuals, organizations, and nonprofits in their efforts to make the world a better place – it’s called Philanthropegie. You can learn more about Philanthropegie with this link.
Recent Comments