Arlington Organization HOPE Achieves 501(c)(3) Status

ARLINGTON, MA — HOPE (Healing Options for Post-traumatic Experiences), a survivor-led organization advocating for fair and equitable access to specialized therapy for all trauma survivors, has achieved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Two years after its establishment, the organization will now move to expand its outreach to educate therapists on the opportunity to practice specialized treatment for psychological trauma.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to offer tax-exempt status to our donors whose valuable support has been critical in enabling our mission,” HOPE Board President Melissa Parker said in a statement. “As we move into the next chapter of our organization’s journey, in the coming months, we will be announcing original and high-quality educational opportunities to support therapists in providing effective and respectful therapy for trauma survivors.”

Significant barriers must be overcome to ensure access to quality care and treatment for trauma survivors who are part of marginalized populations, including and especially people of color and those living in poverty, HOPE said. The organization's actions for change include:

• Providing access to culturally responsible, high-quality support and training for mental health professionals
• Providing effective, respectful, and cutting-edge trauma therapy to survivors regardless of the survivor’s ability to pay
• Recruiting, supporting, and nurturing the talents and abilities of BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ non-profit and mental health professionals
• Relying on the experiences of laypeople and mental health professionals who have lived experience to guide and inform HOPE’s work.

For more information, to become a volunteer, or to donate, visit hopeoptions.org.