In the midst of the #metoo movement, there is an organization in Howard County called HopeWorks, a group that supports families and individuals affected by domestic violence. In Howard County alone, there were 376 domestic violence cases that reached the courts in 2018 from January through May, according to Maryland state records.
According to information published on the Hopeworks website, the non-profit organization provides “comprehensive services for survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse.”
The group is focused on intervention, prevention, education, and advocacy. As part of their response, according to their literature, they help clients rebuild their lives.
Using available resources, the group’s aim is to eliminate danger to client’s from those who might perpetrate violence. HelpWorks offers a 24-hour helpline, residential services, counseling, and legal assistance.
Recently, the benevolent arm of Allstate Insurance, the Allstate Foundation, granted HopeWorks $2,000 for their advocacy work in Howard County.
Colleen Wagschal is the owner of the Columbia Insurance Group, an Allstate branch in Columbia, Maryland. Her group was instrumental in helping to raise funds and needed items for Hopeworks. She said, “It’s really about giving back to the community and it makes me feel like I’m making a positive impact.”
This is the second year that Wagschal’s company participated in the fundraising drive for HopeWorks. She said that they serve as a collection point for donations. They work in concert with the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse, whose signature approach to addressing domestic violence is through financially empowering survivors.
Once per year, Wagschal and her team call upon insurance agents and customers to pitch in cash and needed items to support those disadvantaged from acts of domestic violence.
Wagschal said that the benevolent effort “helps [victims] regain their independence.”
Nationally, Allstate volunteers raised a total of $253,000 to support victims of domestic violence.
David Johnson, an Allstate agency owner in Columbia, Maryland also participated in the fundraising effort, according to an Allstate media representative.
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