By: Maricela Rios-Faust, Chief Executive Officer
As we enter the holiday season, one word rises above all others: gratitude. Every conversation, every act of courage, every transformed life was possible because of you—our community. Together, we have worked to break the silence of relationship violence by empowering survivors and extending a safe place for healing and hope.
This year, we witnessed truly inspiring moments of unity and hope. Through our Courage Over Comfort series, survivors stepped forward to bravely share their stories, sparking conversations that broke down stigma and inspired change. These courageous voices showed us that healing is possible and that no one should walk this journey alone.
We were honored to partner with the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine, and Santa Ana to host our Shine the Light walking vigils, turning these moments into beacons of hope and strength for all. Every step we took was a powerful declaration: relationship violence has no place in our homes or communities. Behind every vigil and every story were dedicated people who made it all possible. That is why today, we pause to sincerely thank each of you. Your support and action are what drive our mission forward and light the way for others.
We are profoundly grateful for the survivors who bravely shared their stories, offering truth and hope to others who are still searching for their voices. Thank you to the advocates and volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to ensuring our programs reached those in need. We value our community partners for amplifying our mission and expanding our reach. Our heartfelt thanks go to the donors and supporters whose generosity made vital resources and services possible. We also appreciate the educators and leaders who brought prevention programs into schools and workplaces, planting seeds of change. Above all, we honor every individual who chose courage over comfort—your choices create ripples that transform lives.
Gratitude is more than a feeling; it is a force that fuels our mission and reminds us that real change happens when communities unite. This year, you showed us what is possible. While this blog isn’t about what is next, it is hard not to feel hopeful when we reflect on what we have accomplished together.
From all of us at Human Options, thank you for standing with us and believing in a future free from violence. Your support, your voice, and courage matter. Every step forward this year was possible because of you, your time, your resources, and expertise—you have made a real difference. In this season of gratitude, we thank you and your unwavering support. Together, we have built a community defined by courage, compassion, and change.
Thank you for being a part of our mission to support, empower, and heal.
If you’re interested in supporting our work and making a lasting impact, please consider making a donation to Human Options. Your generosity can help provide life-changing services for survivors of relationship violence, and it is a crucial part of creating a brighter, more hopeful future. Donate to Human Options at https://humanoptions.org/donate
