Compassionate Support for Survivors
Hope United is Gaston County’s Affiliated Family Justice Center through Alliance for HOPE International, serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. We provide coordinated, trauma-informed services designed to meet survivors where they are and support them through every step of their journey.
Hope United operates two accessible locations in Gaston County
Community-Based Services
Our community-based location is located at 176 W. Franklin Boulevard in historic downtown Gastonia. This site is a safe and welcoming space where survivors and their children can walk in at any time—no appointment necessary. At this location, individuals can access resources, meet with law enforcement or community partners, and connect with a wide range of supportive services. The site also includes a medical suite that can be utilized by community partners to provide specialized care and response.
Court-Based Services
Our second location is our court-based services site at the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Hope United staff are located in Courtroom 2C, which has been transformed into a dedicated survivor services suite. Here, our team and co-located partners work together to support survivors as they navigate both the civil and criminal court processes. This location is also walk-in friendly, with no appointment needed. Staff are available to assist with court navigation, safety planning, and advocacy, and an attorney is on site to provide legal support and consultations for survivors.
Our Vision
To protect the vulnerable, stop the violence, restore hope, and make our community safer.
Personalized Safety Plan
A safety plan is a set of actions that can help lower your risk of being hurt by your partner. It includes information specific to you and your life that will increase your safety at school, home, and other places that you go on a daily basis.
Available Services
I am in danger and have nowhere to go
I don’t feel safe and I don’t know what to do.
We help you develop an individualized and comprehensive plan to increase safety.
What can I do to make sure they do not come around me or my children?
We can connect with you advocates to file a restraining order/protective order.
I want to work
We can provide information and referrals to community services including employment assistance, applying for public assistance as well as victim compensation.
I would like to talk with a therapist about my experience
We provide emotional support throughout your journey and can help connect you with mental health support and resources, both within our program and in the community.
I do not have anyone to watch my children when attending court.
We have dedicated child play areas in both locations.
I do not have a way to get to court or your agency
Hope United can assist with transportation to court.
I have concerns about a child’s safety
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please call the 24-hour Child Protective Services Hotline:
I need a Spanish speaking advocate
Can someone attend my court hearing with me?
You don’t have to face your protective order hearing alone. Our staff can accompany you at the courthouse, and our contracted attorney can represent survivors during protective order hearings at no cost.
I want to join a support group
Hope United offers many Support Group options, click the button to learn more.
Contact Us
More Ways Hope United Supports Survivors
Mental Health and Emotional Support
- Mental health referrals to our partner agencies
- Weekly support group
- Drop-in Clinic monthly
- Support for emotional well-being during court proceedings
Legal Assistance and Court Support
- A free attorney consultation
- Free attorney representation during protective order hearings
- Referral to Legal Aid
- Court testimony tool to help prepare for your upcoming court date
- A calm and safe environment before and after court in our Survivor Suite
- A friendly face in the courtroom from our court staff
Community Resources
We Can Assist With
- Referrals to obtain needed items
- Assistance in obtaining identification documents
- Linkage to Community Partners
- Housing resources
- Referral to food assistance programs