Books. They can educate, serve as an escape and take you to far away places, around the corner and back again.
That’s what they do for HOPE Center Executive Director Erica Staab-Absher, and she expects several dozen new volumes in the center’s library will do the same for her clients.
HOPE Center, located in Faribault, is a 501(c)(3) that offers direct support, and legal and personal advocacy as well as emergency shelter to Rice County victims of domestic and sexual violence. It also provides collaborative support to other organizations that serve victims and educational support to the entire community.
Last year, HOPE Center provided services to more than 1,200 Rice County residents. HOPE Center’s clients know no age limit and include children who’ve been victimized or are the children of victims.
The books, purchased from Northfield book store Content with funds donated by Northfielders Stephen Hochheiser and Joe Fierst, both who had long careers in the academic publishing industry, will be available to check out and may be given to clients.
“Joe and I are pleased to support the critical work of HOPE Center, recognizing how valuable the organization’s services are. We know that this library of books purchased from Content will directly benefit so many clients and their children,” said Hochheiser.
I’m extremely grateful for this generous donation and know that these books will be of great value to our clients, many who have little disposable income with which to purchase books of their own, and who need the support, guidance and escapism they will provide,” said Staab-Absher.
Staab-Absher selected the books, with the help of Content owner Jessica Peterson-White, with an eye on finding those that will most benefit HOPE Center’s specific clientele.
Hochheiser, vice chair of the HOPE Center Board, and Fierst, who grew up in Faribault, believe independent bookstores in general, and Content specifically, are important resources for their communities. Hochheiser managed a group of independent general bookstores in the Philadelphia area and Fierst was a bookstore manager at St. John’s University and the College St. Benedict.
Learn more about HOPE Center at www.hopecentermn.org.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic and/or sexual violence, contact HOPE Center at 507-332- 0882 or its 24-Hour SafeLine at 1-800-607-2330. All services are free and confidential.
