The HOPE Center (Haven Outreach Programs for Empowerment) is a facility dedicated to providing a safe space on Lock Haven University’s campus for all students to receive support and resources related to sexual assault, relationship violence, personal safety and health.
“Anyone who goes through traumatizing experiences has the agency of their own decision making, necessary resources and the support of this facility to determine what is best for them moving forward in their university career,” said Dr. Schillig, director of the HOPE Center.
Dr. Schillig, explained that HOPE opened its doors in 2009 in response to LHU not having an on campus crisis center to accommodate student’s mental health needs.
The HOPE center is located in Ulmer Hall, Room 100, and is operated by graduate assistant Hadly Raven and three student staff members, Olivia Hanna, Bridget Miller, and Abbey Masorti.
“We are here for students and we have to remember that while our focus is on their academic development its also in their development as human beings and they come to us with whole histories of experience, they come to us with emotional and psychological needs that go beyond just being a student for four to five years,” said Dr. Schillig.
Dr. Burkholder, HOPE Advisory Board member, encourages students who are working on women’s history, gender or sexuality related assignments to check out and browse the books and materials of the HOPE Center’s library.
In addition to providing a safe space for students, HOPE hosts a variety of events and programs throughout each semester.
The events and programs hosted by HOPE include sex trivia, consent workshops, LGBTQ+ film screenings, guest speaker panels and receptions welcome to all students and faculty.
“We hold a variety of events to empower students, help increase awareness of gender and social justice, educate students issues relating to abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking but we also teach ways to promote safety and general well-being,” said Dr. Schillig.
Each program hosted by HOPE features a safe inviting atmosphere where anyone can openly discuss issues of sexual assault, intimate violence, and domestic abuse on campus.
Empower Women, Unite Through Diversity is one of HOPE’s annual events hosted twice per academic year. This event honors and showcases women’s history and brings women together by giving them a physical space to share personal challenges and experiences.
Several HOPE programs are expected to occur over the spring semester. The facility will be hosting events at these venues and dates:
- Empower Women: Unite Through Diversity – March 21 – Parson Union Building (PUB) Multi-purpose Room (MPR) – 4:30p.m.
- Let Her Voice Be Heard – March 30 – Greenberg Auditorium – 6p.m.
- Tacos and Sex Trivia – April 11– PUB MPR– 6p.m.
- Take Back the Night Rally – April 25 – Amphitheater – 6p.m.
“HOPE is a space where a lot of students go to confide and feel like they can share their traumas with the ease they can control when to report and trust where their personal stories are going to.” said Dr. Schillig
For the spring 2023 semester, HOPE is open Mondays 11a.m. to 3p.m., Tuesdays 11a.m. to 2p.m., Wednesdays 10a.m. to 3p.m., Thursdays 11a.m. to 1p.m. and Fridays 10a.m. to 1p.m. To learn more about the HOPE Center and their upcoming programs, stop by their facility in Ulmer Hall, through email at hope@lockhaven.edu, or contact Dr. Schillig at lschilli@commonwealthu.edu.
