The CPN House of Hope offers free community assistance programs in and around the tribal jurisdiction which focus on child abuse and domestic violence. One of the many House of Hope employees, Amanda Chapman, Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator works to restore the lives and dignity of those they serve.
Growing up with educators as parents, Chapman was raised the only way she knew how; to help and educate others. She previously worked for the Family Resource Center in Seminole as a child advocate.
“I provided services for children exposed to domestic violence. I worked with residential and non- residential clients, traveled to schools within the county and facilitated the Safe Dates program,” said Chapman. “During the summer I facilitated the agencies “Making a Difference Camp” for children who were at risk and exposed to violence.”
Given her hard work ethic and passion for helping others, she received the 2011 Kid First Coalition Child Advocate of the year award for Seminole County.
The Shawnee resident has been with the Tribe for three years. Since being at the House of Hope, Chapman has introduced several programs for the them to implement into their program. Two of those programs are the CPN eight-week Family Violence Parenting Program and the Start Talking: Love is Respect program.
“We get a lot of hard stories here. Statistics say that it takes individuals seven times to eventually leave the bad situations they can be in,” explained Chapman. “Here at the House of Hope and our program specifically, is to show people that find themselves in these situations that there is hope and there is help. We provide services that raise awareness and educate our community that domestic violence is an occurring problem and we are here to prevent it.”
Chapman added “We encourage anyone that knows or is involved in domestic violence, child abuse or situation related to these to contact us. This service is for any and every one,”
While she works out of an office, Chapman’s responsibilities are far from a normal nine to five.
“There isn’t a typical day here,” said Chapman. “This job is extremely important because of the statistics the surrounding counties have in terms of domestic violence and child abuse. Both have high numbers in everything we deal with and we continue to have a steady flow of victims who seek our assistance.”
With five kids ranging from late high school to early elementary Chapman finds her passion away from work in her children and spending time with family. A typical weekend can be watching one of her many kids playing soccer.
Tiffany Barrett, CPN’s House of Hope Director, works with Chapman on a day to day basis.
“Amanda exemplifies what a CPN employee should be,” said Barrett “She is hard working and determined to get our message out. She is respected by our community, as well as her coworkers. She continues to be a valuable asset to the House of Hope.”
Though the circumstances and situations Chapman and her coworkers deal with are stressful, their motivation in serving those in need is greater than the challenges they face.
“Helping people is my passion. Knowing that I can help at least one person is a reward that I achieve here daily.”
The CPN House of Hope encourages anyone needing someone to talk to, encouragement, or shelter from abuse or the like to contact them immediately. Contact information can be sought on their website at www.potawatomi.org/services/community/domestic-violence-program.