ABOUT US
Hope & Safety Alliance
For more than 45 years, Hope & Safety Alliance has stood alongside survivors of domestic violence, offering safety, support, and hope. We serve thousands of survivors and children each year across Lane County’s urban and rural communities.
Because domestic violence impacts people of all backgrounds, we are deeply committed to inclusive, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed services that honor each person’s dignity and lived experience.
We believe everyone deserves a life free from violence and fear.
Hope & Safety Alliance MISSION
Is to protect, shelter, and empower survivors of domestic violence – offering safety, support, and resources with compassion and trauma-informed care
Hope & Safety Alliance VALUES & Culture
At Hope & Safety Alliance, we foster a safe, supportive, and survivor-centered culture grounded in trust, transparency, and open communication. We approach our work—and one another—with respect, kindness, and humility, leading with empathy, curiosity, and an open mind.
Through collaboration, continuous learning, and intentional bias awareness, we support growth, accountability, and inclusion. We value self-care and sustainability while remaining deeply committed to our mission. Our culture is empowering and rewarding, inspiring us to support one another and create meaningful, lasting impact within our organization and the community we serve.
HERSTORY - Formerly Womenspace
In the early 1970’s, Lane County was part of a growing consciousness happening across the country and the world responding to violence against women. Womenspace, Inc. started as a grassroots response with a core group of six women who established a crisis line in 1975. These women were Mabel Armstrong, Mary Jeanne Jacobsen, Lee Pettigrew, Nancy Barnes and Connie Holvey. Their efforts evolved into establishing a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization and the Womenspace shelter opened in 1977. For over forty years, Womenspace continued to grow in response to local needs, adding youth services, transitional housing support, culturally appropriate services, and legal assistance while advocating for effective public policies on local, state and national levels. The domestic violence movement history illustrates significant milestones in the evolution of Womenspace as an organization. In 2021, Womenspace changed its name to embrace the work it does and its commitment to doing better - Hope & Safety Alliance is the natural evolution of over 45 years of service.
Our Team
Hope & Safety Alliance is powered by a dedicated community of board members, staff, and volunteers who bring diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences to our work. Together, we foster a trauma-informed, inclusive environment grounded in compassion, respect, and a shared commitment to survivor safety and healing.
Board of Directors
Hope & Safety Alliance is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors who serve three-year terms. Our Board is composed of community leaders with professional expertise in banking, law, insurance, business, and public service.
Current Board of Directors
Candice Cook – Insurance, President
Mary Bartlett – Banking, Past President
Ashley White – Immigration Attorney, Treasurer
Thomas Kulick – Retired, Secretary
Hope Clifton – Accounting Technician
Karen Davis – Banking
Monte Ludington – Senior Deputy District Attorney, Criminal Division
Staff & Training
All direct service staff and volunteers complete a comprehensive 40-hour certification training that includes education on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault, trauma-informed care, and effective responses to intimate partner violence. Hope & Safety Alliance prioritizes ongoing professional development through annual competency trainings and continued education relevant to our mission.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an essential part of Hope & Safety Alliance’s work. They support programs and outreach efforts, serve on the Board of Directors, and provide critical support to survivors through our 24-hour Crisis Line. Click here to learn more about joining our team.
Administrative Team
Hope & Safety Alliance’s administrative team provides leadership, infrastructure, and operational support that allows our programs to serve survivors effectively and sustainably. This team oversees organizational strategy, financial stewardship, compliance, fundraising, community engagement, and internal systems—ensuring our staff and volunteers have the resources they need to do their work with care and integrity.Our administrative team includes:
Executive Director – Kim Lax
Provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Hope & Safety Alliance, guiding the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals. Oversees programs, operations, finance, and fundraising to ensure high-quality, survivor-centered services and responsible stewardship of resources. Builds and sustains strong partnerships with staff, the Board of Directors, community organizations, funders, and stakeholders. Ensures organizational accountability, effectiveness, and impact while fostering an inclusive, trauma-informed workplace culture.
Deputy Director – Michelle Long
Supports daily operations and program alignment, overseeing staff and programs to ensure services are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and effective. Collaborates with the Executive Director on strategic initiatives, partnerships, and resource management, using data and evaluation to drive continuous improvement.
Finance Director & Grants Management - Julie Weismann
Oversees financial management, budgeting, and fiscal compliance while coordinating grant management, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance. This role ensures responsible stewardship of organizational resources and helps secure and sustain funding to support programs and services.Oversees financial management, budgeting, and fiscal compliance to ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
Accounting Specialist - Stephanie Haack
Manages day-to-day financial operations, including accounts payable and receivable, reporting, and internal financial processes.
Development Manager - Cassondra Nielsen
Leads fundraising and donor engagement efforts, including individual giving, events, and communications that support long-term sustainability.
Outreach & Volunteer Coordinator - Madison Vandegriffe
Builds community connections, coordinates outreach and education efforts, and recruits, trains, and supports volunteers.
Office Coordinator - Ileana Alvarado
Provides administrative and front-desk support, helping ensure smooth daily operations and a welcoming environment for visitors and staff.
IT Administrator - James Riley
Maintains technology systems and data security to support efficient operations and protect confidential survivor information.
Contact Us using our online form.
FINANCIALS
Hope & Safety Alliance is sustained by strong community support and a commitment to responsible stewardship. We value the trust of our donors and use their contributions to deliver effective, survivor-centered programs across Lane County.
2022/2023 Form 990
