Hope Shores Alliance

06/10/2026

The impact of abuse does not end when someone leaves.

For many survivors, the financial cost can exceed $100,000 over a lifetime. Lost opportunities, damaged credit, and disrupted careers can take years to rebuild.

Economic abuse affects not just finances, but mental health, stability, and future potential. When we support survivors, we help restore more than financial security…we can help rebuild hope.

Follow Laura Killingbeck as she bikes through Michigan bringing critical awareness to economic abuse.



https://nnedv.org/spotlight_on/financial-abuse-empowerment/

06/09/2026

A huge thank you to Goodwill Oscoda for their generous donation of $623.97 through their Community Partner Round-Up program!

We are incredibly grateful for community partners who share our commitment to supporting individuals and families. Partnerships like these help strengthen our community and expand the impact of local services. We especially appreciate Goodwill Industries for their continued support of our work and the survivors we serve.

Pictured (Left to Right): Val Williams, Hope Shores Alliance; Brandi, Goodwill Store Manager; and Bonnie Wirgau, Hope Shores Alliance

06/08/2026

Thank you to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church - Alpena for supporting our mission. Your generosity helps us to continue to serve survivors and strengthen our community. We are truly grateful!

As part of our May Service Activity, St. Paul Lutheran was blessed to support Hope Shores with a donation to assist in their important ministry and outreach efforts.
Pictured from left to right are Scott Brooks, Associate Director Bonnie Wirgau, and Sue Robb.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this service project. Through your generosity, we are able to support organizations that bring hope, compassion, and care to those in need throughout our community.

06/05/2026

For survivors within the LGBTQIA+ community who are looking for support in building a gender-affirming wardrobe, Hope Shores is here for you!

We offer thrift store referrals and vouchers for anyone needing new clothing items that reflect who they truly are. Our giving space also stocks essential items, including:

Kinetic tape & binders
Prosthetics & tucking supplies
And much more

You deserve to feel safe, comfortable, and confident. If you are looking for support, please reach out to our 24/7 confidential hotline at 800.396.9129. 🤝🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈

+Support

06/03/2026

Today is World Bicycle Day, a reminder that every mile traveled can create connection, understanding, and change.

As Laura bikes across Michigan, every mile tells a story. Along the way, she is meeting people, hearing experiences, and witnessing strength that often goes unseen.

These conversations are not always easy, but they matter. They remind us that behind every statistic is a real person navigating challenges most of us never see.

We are honored to help bring these stories forward and amplify the voices of survivors and communities across our state.

Follow along and engage with Laura’s journey as it unfolds. Every mile has a purpose. Every story deserves to be heard.

06/03/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month! 🌈

This June, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and diversity of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities.

At our agency, we recognize that everyone deserves to live free from violence, abuse, discrimination, and fear. We are committed to providing affirming, inclusive, and survivor-centered support to all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Pride is a celebration, but it is also a reminder of the ongoing work toward safety, equality, and justice for all. This month and every month, we stand with LGBTQ+ survivors and honor their experiences, courage, and voices.

💜 You are welcome here.
💙 You are valued here.
💚 You deserve safety, support, and respect.

Here is a link for multiple Pride event going on within Michigan Your 2026 Michigan LGBTQ+ Pride Calendar

06/03/2026

🌿 Join us for our very first Nature-Based Support Group! 🌿

Come enjoy some fresh air, connection, and support while taking a peaceful walk around Alpena Island Park Loop or Ausable Trail Park in Oscoda.

📅 Wednesday, June 10
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Alpena Island Park Loop

We'd love to see you there! 💚

Need transportation? Please contact Zoie Moon at 989-356-2560 ext. 122.

Bring yourself, a friend, and comfortable walking shoes—we can't wait to connect with you in nature! 🌳☀️

05/30/2026

🌿Self-care Saturday🌿

You just told your body it’s safe.
It’s science. When your exhale is longer than your inhale, you send a signal straight to your brain — relax. You’re safe.

Your heart rate slows. Your mind becomes calm and clear.
Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself, but breath is always there and always works. Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing.

And if you can get outside today — even five minutes— do it. Nature and breath together are the fastest way back to yourself.
You don’t have to feel okay to start. You just have to breathe.

05/28/2026

💬 What would YOU do?

Tyler’s girlfriend expects constant check-ins. If he doesn’t respond fast enough, she gets angry, accuses him of cheating, and threatens to break up. Tyler cares about her—but the pressure and conflict are exhausting.

This is where bystander intervention matters. We all have a role in creating safer, healthier relationships. Prevention means everyone is responsible. 💙

If you saw this happening, you could:
👉 Direct – Speak up and name the behavior
👉 Distract – Change the situation to interrupt what’s happening
👉 Delegate – Get help from a trusted adult, teacher, or friend
👉 Delay – Check in with Tyler afterward and offer support
👉 Protocol – Follow school or community reporting guidelines

At Hope Shores Alliance, we want to work with teens to:
✨ Learn real-life bystander intervention skills
✨ Understand dating violence and healthy relationships
✨ Build leadership skills to make your school safer
✨ Advocate for others experiencing harm

We’re also working to create resources for parents so they can have meaningful conversations with their kids about healthy relationships and how to be a strong, supportive bystander.

📞 Want to get involved or learn more?
Call Jeanine at 989-365-2560 ext. 111
📧 [email protected]
🌐 hopeshores.org

👇 Drop a comment: What would YOU do to support Tyler?