Wine Country Times

Non-profit The Hope of Survivors, founded in 2002 by Steve and Samantha Nelson after Samantha was sexually abused by clergy, helps victims of sexual abuse by spiritual leaders by helping them understand their traumatic experiences. 

"While sitting at home one December evening and discussing how to help others, God impressed upon Steve to develop a website that addressed the issue of clergy sexual abuse, as he could find little to no resources during the time Samantha was being abused," Hope of Survivors told the Times. 

The Nelsons' idea eventually took off in 2004 and became a full 501(c)3 non-profit after traveling the globe and speaking with victims, eventually gaining volunteers for separate organizations in Romania, Australia and Canada and other places across the globe. 

"The initial hope of reaching 'just one' evolved into the mission of providing emotional and spiritual support to thousands of victims all around the world, conducting seminars for victims, as well as for pastors and church leaders to equip them to prevent clergy sexual abuse, but also to help congregations heal in the aftermath of such devastation," Samantha Nelson said. 

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge for the non-profit as "2020 was not a very active year in terms of exhibiting and raising awareness about The Hope of Survivors at various conventions like we usually do each year," Nelson sad. 

That said, the organization was able to hold virtual Zoom seminars conducted by board members and volunteers for adults and youth who have been sexually abused by religious leaders. 

"With the pandemic still ongoing, we have had to curtail our exhibit and travel plans thus far for 2021, but we are hopeful that, later in the year, we might be able to exhibit, conduct seminars and meet with victims face to face," Nelson said.

Regardless of there being a pandemic, The Hope Survivors will continue to work tirelessly to help victims of sexual abuse tackle their trauma and learn life-changing lessons in the process.