BOISE, Idaho — Downtown Boise's comprehensive victim services center has been renamed by the Ada County Commissioners and the Ada County Prosecutor's Office, following its separation from the Faces of Hope Foundation.
Ada County Victim Services Center, previously FACES of Hope Victim Center, helps people within the community that are experiencing violence.
The name change comes after Ada County, who owns the property that FACES formerly operated out of, parted ways with the FACES foundation in Dec. 2023.
On Dec. 15, the Faces of Hope Foundation was informed by Ada County that their lease term was being terminated because the foundation had allegedly not signed the FY2024 License Agreement despite several months of discussions.
“Instead of signing the Agreement, as has been done for many years, the Foundation instead requested multiple significant changes to the Agreement, which signal a clear indication that the Foundation has made the decision to move away from the integrated partnership,” read the eviction letter signed by the Ada County Board of Commissioners.
In an open meeting held by the Board of Ada County Commissioners Tuesday, Chairman Rod Beck confirmed the name change and offered additional comment as to the reasoning behind it, citing that the foundation decided to "pursue other opportunities."
"The new name better reflects what the facility does, and how the partnerships help individuals and families in our area," Beck added.
"The departure of this one group has not in any way paused or affected any of the services provided at the facility," Beck said. "The partners have come together to fill short-term gaps and are excited to invite other community partners into the building to provide additional services to victims."
Beck followed the statement up with, "it's been misreported what has actually occurred there, so I wanted to clear that up."
The center offers services from local law enforcement, healthcare providers and social services. The Faces of Hope Foundation was one of 16 partners operating at the victim services center.
"It is such a privilege to join the numerous agencies and service providers to announce our continued partnership at the newly named Ada County Victim Services Center," said Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts. "The building may have a new name, but the address, the phone number and the partners' commitment to victims in our community are the same as they always have been."
The Faces of Hope Foundation announced on Jan. 18 that it will be opening its new Meridian location on Thursday, Jan. 25.
About the Ada County Victim Services Center
The Ada County Victim Services Center is located at 417 South 6th St. in Boise, Idaho.
The facility provides a wide range of services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse, human trafficking and stalking.
"I've been an Ada County Sheriff's deputy for over two decades, and I know first-hand how essential the center is for people in crisis," Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford said. "Knowing that when people get there, they are safe — and have access to resources to remain safe — is a relief every time. It's a safe haven and an essential resource for public safety."
Partners providing services at the Ada County Victim Services Center, located at 417 South 6th Street, Boise, Idaho:
- Medical services: St. Luke's Children at Risk Evaluation Services (CARES), St. Luke's Medical Clinic, Community Sexual Assault Team (St. Luke's Nurses and Saint Alphonsus Nurses), Ada County Paramedics
- Social services: Women's and Children's Alliance (WCA), Idaho Network of Child Advocacy Centers, Charitable Assistance to the Community's Homeless (CATCH), Idaho Assistance League
- Law enforcement services: Boise Police Department, Meridian Police Department, Ada County Commissioners, Ada County Sheriff's Office, Garden City Police Department
- Legal services: Ada County Prosecutor's Office, Adult Protective Services, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
"We are honored to continue to provide the epitome of specialty trained, compassionate, and state of the art medical care to the child victims of Ada County and their families at the Ada County Victim Services Center," said Dr. Amy Barton at St. Luke's Children's Cares. "Our patients and their families can expect to access the same high quality medical care while accessing other crucial family support services just by walking in our front door."
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Faces of Hope Meridian
"We are pleased that Faces of Hope Meridian will provide the supporting services to the residents of Ada County to help ensure the ongoing safety of abuse victims as they work through trauma," Meridian Mayor Robert Simison said.
Services will be available to residents of Meridian, Kuna, Star, Eagle and west Boise.
Some services offered by the Faces of Hope Foundation:
- Advocates meet victims and help determine what services the client needs.
- Emergency services such as housing, clothing, new prescription glasses, lock changes, unmonitored cell phones, transportation and food.
- Counselors to meet with clients for up to 8 weeks.
- Attorney services addressing clients' legal needs, such as family law issues, child custody and civil protection orders.
- Case managers to help victims become self-reliant.
- Hope's Closet and a diaper bank.
Faces of Hope said support services will be available at the Meridian location Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and that a "blue light phone" will be located outside the office, which connect victims with emergency services after operating hours.
Victims may call (208) 986-4357 for assistance. Starting Thursday, Jan. 25, Faces of Hope Meridian will be operating at 1850 S. Eagle Road, Suite 100.
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