Camp Hope 2025

In August we participated in our third year of Camp Hope. Camp week is truly a highlight of our year. This year we took 43 kids and 41 volunteers to Camp Hobletzille in Midlothian for 6 days of very intentional programming designed to help kids heal from the trauma of witnessing domestic abuse in their families. We are happy to report that we had a successful week. Here is the story from one mom whose child attended camp this year:

“Thank you to The Heights team for creating such meaningful opportunities for our family. My kid had so much fun at the recent event, and the thoughtfulness shown through every detail made us feel so loved.

Since attending Camp Hope, my child has experienced a life-changing shift. He returned with a calmness and confidence that others around him — teachers, mentors, and even his psychologist — have noticed. The kindness and encouragement he received, especially from the male counselors, brought healing to places of deep discouragement. He left camp with exactly what the name promises: hope.

Now he faces challenges, like bullying, with resilience instead of defeat. He has stepped into leadership roles, is building friendships, and carries himself with a new sense of authority and courage. Instead of being consumed by the pain of his past, he’s choosing to use it as a guide for the kind of person he does not want to become.

Our family is so grateful for the way The Heights continues to walk with us on our journey of healing and restoration. God has truly used this ministry to make a lasting impact in our lives.”

You can also view our latest Camp Hope video below.

The Power Of We Luncheon

The Heights’ annual Power of We Luncheon was an incredible success, thanks to the overwhelming support of our sponsors, attendees, and community partners. Because of YOU, we were able to stand united and declare that “the run around is over in Ellis County” when it comes to domestic abuse. Addressing the issue of domestic abuse head on with a clear plan and partnerships will allow the victims space to find safety, healing and hope.

This year we began our luncheon with a welcome for our Board Chair and Ellis County Commissioner, Lane Grayson, followed by an opening prayer from Board Member and Ellis County Sheriff, Brad Norman. We then showed the following video of a virtual tour of services we offer to clients at The Heights.

After the Tour Video, Board Member and District Attorney, Lindy Beaty along with Waxahachie Police Chief, Joe Wiser introduced the following video that tells the story of what a successful partnership between The Heights, The Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, and The Waxahachie Police Department can do when they work together to support victims of domestic abuse in our county.

The Power of We program continued as Board Member and Midlothian Police Chief, Carl Smith introduced our Executive Director, Jennifer Salzman. Jennifer spoke about her journey of learning about the Family Justice Center movement from being a part of Alliance For Hope International. The Alliance connects around 300 family justice centers around the world to a common vision and purpose. This movement was started by one Family Justice Center in San Diego, California. The leaders of that center, Casey Gwinn, and Gael Strack, were invited to the White House in 2003, and their vision of a Family Justice Center was launched all across the country. The following video shows the meeting with George W. Bush that began this national movement.

We were incredibly honored to have Casey Gwinn join us at the luncheon as our keynote speaker. His speech was inspiring and called us all to “go be faithful” in serving domestic abuse survivors in Ellis County.  

We need YOU to continue this movement and here is how you can continue to help:

• Refer victims to The Heights so they know there is a safe place ready to help.

• Support financially so we can sustain and expand the vital programs that provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, advocacy, and long-term resources for victims and their children.

Your generosity at the luncheon—and beyond—fuels the life-changing work we do every day. Together, we can ensure that no survivor has to face the journey alone. Contact jordan@theheightselliscounty.org to learn more or to make a donation. Together, we are creating a safer Ellis County where hope thrives and people matter.

Creating Peaceful Spaces: Home Zone’s Gift to The Heights

You may have noticed that Home Zone was our title sponsor for The Power of We Luncheon. Home Zone not only sponsored our Luncheon, but they also provided a very special gift to victims of family abuse in Ellis County.

We are overjoyed to share the incredible generosity of Home Zone, who has provided all of the furniture and décor for our new emergency shelter. Their team didn’t just deliver furniture — they sent in a design team to understand our existing style and then thoughtfully created a warm, comforting environment that truly helps bring peace to those who walk through our doors.

Home Zone went above and beyond, even purchasing items they don’t typically produce to ensure the shelter was complete and cohesive. They carefully selected artwork from an inspiring artist whose work speaks directly to encouragement and hope — a perfect fit for the brave clients we serve.

The result is more than just beautifully furnished rooms. It’s a space that welcomes, comforts, and restores. For families arriving in crisis, the environment Home Zone created becomes part of the healing journey.

We are profoundly grateful for Home Zone’s partnership and the lasting impact they are making. Their generosity is not only filling a shelter with furniture, but filling hearts with hope.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time when we pause to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and recommit to the work of ending violence in our community. At The Heights, we believe domestic violence is not just a private issue—it is a public safety issue. Every act of violence reverberates through families, schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods. That’s why our partnerships are so vital.

We are grateful to serve as part of the public safety infrastructure in Ellis County, working alongside every law enforcement agency, the District Attorney’s office, and countless other partners who help us ensure safety, justice, and hope for survivors.

On our campus and beyond, The Heights offers a wide range of wraparound services designed to meet survivors and their families at every stage of their journey. From immediate crisis intervention, shelter, and safety planning, to long-term support such as counseling, legal advocacy, childcare assistance, housing navigation, and spiritual support. Our goal is to help survivors move from crisis to stability to thriving.

We also connect clients with an extensive network of community referrals — including employment programs, education and job training, medical and mental health services, food pantries, and more. Every partnership extends the safety net, reminding survivors that they are not alone.

This month, as we shine a light on domestic violence, We invite you to remember that ending violence is a community effort. We are humbled to stand with survivors, and we are deeply grateful for every partner, donor, and volunteer who makes this work possible. Together, we are building a community where justice is accessible, peace prevails, and hope is realized.