Legal name:
Hope Haven of Hancock County Inc.
Registered 501 c 3 not for profit corporation
Federal ID 64-0852491 July 1995
State Charity Registration (annual) NO. 100000581
State Tax Exemption August 11, 2000
MISSION STATEMENT: To provide shelter and care to local abused and neglected children, assistance to local foster children and families, assistance to needy children and families in the community and promote awareness of the effects of child abuse and neglect within the community.
Area of Service:
Although we can accept a child from anywhere in Mississippi, most of our children come from the coastal Counties.
Management
Hope Haven is governed by a 12 member volunteer Board of Directors who serve without pay or compensation. Board members serve for three year terms. The daily operation of the Corporation is undertaken by a full time salaried Director.
Licenses/Memberships
State of Ms. Foster Home license
Mississippi Association of Non Profits
Mississippi Association of Child Care Agencies
Hancock County Chamber of Commerce
Gulf Coast Coalition Against Domestic Violence
GuideStar (Independent verifier of financial information on non profits. GuideStar.org)
PayPal ( permits online donations without donor having to supply credit card info or other banking data to organization. PayPal is 100% secure)
Financial
Hope Haven’s Annual Budget to operate its home is around $175,000 per year. Out total annual budget is around $250,000 per year which includes our “Helping Hands” program and all administrative and fundraising expenses. Over the last 10 years, Hope Haven has spent an average of 10% of our annual budget per year on administrative and fundraising expenses. Federal guidelines state that charities should not spend more than 60% in these areas. Hope Haven undergoes a complete annual audit by an independent CPA and the results of this audit and our annual Federal 990 filing is available in our office. They can also be requested by the public or viewed online at GuidStar.org.
Donations
All cash donation to Hope Haven are 100% tax deductible per the IRS code. In kind contributions are tax deductible IAW IRS regulations which are based on fair market value. Donations of Stocks, bonds, property and other such items are unique to the individual donor and in all cases donors should consult with their own tax advisor before making such donations.
Donor Confidentiality
Hope Haven does not sell, lease or barter membership or donor list. We do list donations as they are received on our website and in our newsletter as they occur. If donors do not wish us to list their donation amount or their name, they must advise us of this at the time of their donation and we shall not release this information except as required by law.
Approximately 20,000 reports of child abuse and neglect are made in the State of Mississippi every year. The numbers of reports of such abuse and neglect have dramatically increased since Katrina…especially in the three coastal Counties that bore the brunt of the storm. With tens of thousands of families living in cramped and inadequate FEMA trailers and FEMA parks…the incidence of every type of criminal behavior has increased. Children always end up paying the highest price when adults make bad decisions.
IF YOU SUSPECT A CHILD IS BEING ABUSED OR NEGLECTED… PLEASE DO NOT IGNORE IT OR BE AFRAID TO “GET INVOLVED”. You do not have to intercede directly or place you or your own family in jeopardy.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, please make a report to your local social service agency charged with caring for children. In Mississippi this agency is the Department of Human Services, Children and Family Services Division. You may make such reports in person or by phone. You do not have to identify yourself if you do not wish to. The numbers to call are:
Hancock County DHS , 228 467-7945.
Harrison County DHS , 228 897 5790
Jackson County DHS , 228-769-3444.
There is also a toll free number that you can call to report suspected abuse or neglect anywhere in the United States . That number is
1-800- 222-8000 or 1-601-359-4991.
Another local resource for child abuse and neglect is the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse. They offer a variety of programs and information concerning prevention programs and programs for new mothers and troubled teens. Their number is 228 -868-8686.
The Gulf Coast Women's Center offers counseling and shelter for battered women and their children. Call 1-800-800-1396.
Mississippi has a brand new social service referral telephone line.
Call 211 and you will get help finding resources for almost any of your social service needs.
