Hands of Hope tells Morrison County commissioners it serves Morrison and Todd counties, seeks volunteers and highlights bilingual outreach

Hands of Hope, a victim‑services nonprofit, updated the Morrison County Board on Sept. 23 about services provided from its Little Falls office and its reach across Morrison and Todd counties.

Stephanie Ack, identified in meeting materials as executive director for the organization’s local office, said the Little Falls staff provides walk‑in services, a 24‑hour crisis hotline covered by volunteers and advocacy to help clients with orders for protection and other safety planning. She said the office serves Morrison and Todd counties and that volunteers and staff meet clients where they are.

“We take walk ins and we take referrals from many different other agencies,” Ack said. She described screening for legal remedies (for example, when an order for protection is appropriate) and said advocates help clients complete orders and explore other options.

Rocio, identified as a lead advocate and domestic‑violence services coordinator, explained the organization’s volunteer structure and training: volunteers complete a 40‑hour training, undergo a background check and then take on on‑call shifts covering nights when the office is closed. Rocio provided a contact email of rocio@handsofhope.com for people interested in volunteering, and the organization’s main office number was listed as (320) 632‑1657 in the materials given to commissioners.

Hands of Hope said most of its funding comes from the state Department of Public Safety Office of Justice Programs, with some federal pass‑through funds, county contract work through Morrison County Social Services, fundraising, community donations and occasional church contributions. Ack said the organization uses some grants and donations to subsidize client mental‑health needs when therapeutic services are otherwise unaffordable.

Commissioners asked about service area and partnerships. Ack and Rocio said volunteers serve both Morrison and Todd counties and that the agency works closely with local law enforcement and the county attorney’s office; advocates may accompany victims through criminal processes and to court when required.

The presenters also noted bilingual capacity as a recent expansion: the Little Falls office and the Long Prairie office each have bilingual advocates, which staff said has increased service uptake among people who do not speak English.

Commissioners thanked the presenters for their work and praised volunteers’ long tenure; officials noted the difficulty of the work and the importance of supporting staff wellbeing. The board received a written county fair report and other materials from the presenters.

Ending Hands of Hope asked the board to recognize volunteer needs and the local funding mix; commissioners requested contact information be kept accessible to referral partners. The organization said it would return to the board as needed and that volunteers and donations remain a key part of its capacity.