Beaufort, South Carolina, October 19, 2025
News Summary
Hopeful Horizons in Beaufort, SC has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women. This funding will enhance legal services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors by expanding their legal team and providing life-saving representation. Congresswoman Mace’s support highlights the urgent need for more resources in the Lowcountry region, especially given South Carolina’s high domestic violence rates. The grant will help over 200 survivors annually regain stability and safety as Hopeful Horizons works to amplify its impact.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Hopeful Horizons has been awarded a substantial $500,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, as announced by Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01). This funding, part of the DOJ’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program, aims to provide enhanced legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Lowcountry region, specifically covering Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties.
The grant will enable Hopeful Horizons to expand its legal team significantly, hiring one full-time attorney and one part-time attorney, along with two full-time court advocate paralegals. These new positions are crucial for providing life-saving representation and safety planning for survivors, who often face daunting obstacles in navigating the legal system.
Congresswoman Mace’s office played a vital role in securing the grant, underscoring the pressing need for survivor services in the area. Mace has spoken out about the challenges many victims encounter without sufficient legal support, reinforcing the importance of adequate resources for achieving justice and safety for victims.
Sharing a personal connection to the issue, Mace emphasized that justice and safety for those affected by violence should be prioritized. Her advocacy for this funding reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that survivors do not face these issues alone.
Kristin Dubrowski, CEO of Hopeful Horizons, expressed appreciation for the grant, noting that the funds will greatly enhance the organization’s ability to provide pro-bono civil legal services to over 200 survivors each year. The funding is characterized as a discretionary fund, which will be disbursed after the current government shutdown is resolved.
The necessity for this financial support is highlighted by South Carolina’s disturbing position as 6th out of 50 states for domestic violence cases. This ranking underscores the urgent requirement for initiatives aimed at supporting survivors in their journey to reclaim their lives. The project funded by this grant aspires to equip survivors with the resources they need to achieve stability and a hopeful future.
Background Context
Hopeful Horizons is recognized for its commitment to assisting survivors of violence in South Carolina. The organization has been instrumental in providing crucial services, and with this grant, it aims to amplify its impact. The effort to provide essential legal aid to survivors is paramount, particularly in regions with high rates of domestic violence.
With the increase in available legal resources, survivor advocacy can gain a stronger foothold in the area, potentially transforming the landscape for those seeking justice and safety from violence. The hope is that through enhanced legal services, survivors can rebuild their lives and find a path towards healing and empowerment.
FAQ Section
What is the amount of the grant awarded to Hopeful Horizons?
Hopeful Horizons has received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
What is the purpose of the grant?
The purpose of the grant is to strengthen legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties.
What changes will take place at Hopeful Horizons due to this grant?
Hopeful Horizons plans to expand its staff by hiring one full-time attorney, one part-time attorney, and two full-time court advocate paralegals to provide life-saving representation and safety planning for survivors.
What is South Carolina’s ranking in domestic violence cases?
South Carolina ranks 6th out of 50 states for domestic violence cases.
Key Features Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $500,000 |
| Grant Program | Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program |
| Target Counties | Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, Jasper |
| Planned Staffing Increases | 1 full-time attorney, 1 part-time attorney, 2 full-time court advocate paralegals |
| Annual Survivors Benefited | Over 200 survivors |
| State Ranking (Domestic Violence) | 6th out of 50 states |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Kicks Off Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Elderly Woman Charged with Murder in Hilton Head Shooting
Elderly Woman Charged in Fatal Shooting of Husband
82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder in Beaufort County
82-Year-Old Woman Arrested for Murder at Assisted Living Facility
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Seeks Shooting Suspect
Man Dies Following Shooting at Cross Creek Apartments
Shooting Incident Leaves One Dead at Cross Creek Apartments
Shooting Incident at Cross Creek Apartments in Beaufort
Beaufort Receives Grant for Digitization Initiative
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today: Hopeful Horizons Earns $500K Grant
- Quiver Quant: Nancy Mace Announces $500,000 Grant
- SC Daily Gazette: Rape Crisis Centers Get Federal Boost
- Forensic Magazine: $31 Million in Grants for SC Victims Services
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
