By: Maricela Rios-Faust, LCSW, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer
The start of a new year naturally invites us to pause and reflect. It’s a moment to review the journey we’ve taken, consider what matters most, and renew our purpose for the months ahead. With each January, we’re offered fresh opportunities to realign our intentions and embrace the possibility of growth, healing, and meaningful change.
At Human Options, our vision is clear and unwavering, we imagine a future where every person and family in Orange County experiences safe, healthy relationships and lives free from fear.
So often, conversations about love focus on what to watch out for, the warning signs, the uncomfortable moments that cause us to pause and question. This awareness is vital, by deepening our understanding and staying vigilant, we empower ourselves and others to break the cycle of relationship violence and begin the journey toward healing. It’s through honest conversations and intentional action that we create space for safety and trust to grow.
Yet it’s equally important to lift our commitment to living the values we wish to see in healthy relationships. By choosing to model respect, compassion, and care, we nurture hope that relationships free from violence are not just possible, but attainable. Each step taken—both in recognizing what to avoid and embracing what to uphold—brings us closer to a future where love is a source of strength, healing, and joy for everyone.
Fulfilling our vision of healthy relationships starts with recognizing and nurturing the qualities that foster ease, safety, and growth. Respect is the foundation built on shared power, mutual support, and genuine appreciation. Open communication creates trust and understanding, while clear boundaries ensure every person feels safe and valued. By embodying these values, we move toward a future where healthy relationships are not just possible, but expected and celebrated.
We believe that a future where safe, loving relationships are the norm is possible. With hope guiding us and our community united, we can replace fear with respect and joy, creating a legacy of healing for every family in Orange County.
At Human Options, we are dedicated 24/7 to supporting survivors of relationship violence year-round. Know you are not alone. You are worthy of love, safety, and peace that lasts. You have the strength to continue your path toward healing. For more information call our hotline at 877-854-3594 or visit humanoptions.org. :
At Human Options, we are dedicated 24/7 to supporting survivors of relationship violence year-round. Know you are not alone. You are worthy of love, safety, and peace that lasts. You have the strength to continue your path toward healing. For more information call our hotline at 877-854-3594 or visit humanoptions.org.
