About HOPE! Drama Troupe

WHO: HOPE! Drama Troupe is a group of approximately 20 8th-12th grade youths whose mission is to end child abuse and neglect and strengthen families in Polk County. Each year, HOPE! Drama Troupe members use an original script to educate area youth about child abuse and the impact it has on children and families.

WHAT: The HOPE! Drama Troupe’s 25-minute performance defines the types of abuse, demonstrates the consequences of abuse, and identifies how to get help. The troupe tackles tough issues that are difficult for youth to talk about and portrays ways to discuss problems and seek assistance. The intended audience for these performances in grades 7-9. The troupe can perform for groups of various sizes from an individual class to an entire grade level or more.

Since it began in 1993, HOPE! Drama Troupe has always been well respected in local schools for its ability to communicate with teens about physical abuse, neglect, drug and alcohol abuse, date rape, teen pregnancy, and the many other problems associated with child abuse.

WHY: ​There is a documented link between childhood abuse and long-term health effects, including visual, learning and hearing deficits, increased illness, emotional disturbances, delayed language development, low self-esteem, and aggressive tendencies. According to Prevent Child Abuse America, the most costly long-term effects are those associated with responding to adults who, because of earlier abuse, are involved in criminal activity. Their report puts those costs at over $5 billion annually in the United States.

Polk County statistics show that child abuse is just as prevalent in Polk County as in other parts of the country. Educating young people about the consequences of child abuse and advising young victims to seek help is vital to the prevention of child abuse as well as important for early intervention for juvenile delinquency.

HOPE! DRAMA TROUPE YOUTH SUPPORT RESOURCES

First Call for Help 211

Iowa Department of Human Services 800.362.2178

Polk County Crisis & Advocacy Services 515.286.3600

Ellipsis 515.243.3459

Young Women’s Resource Center 515.244.4901

Iowa Victim Service Call Center 800.770.1650 or text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121

Iowa Sexual Abuse Lifeline 800.284.7821

National Suicide Lifeline 988

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.4673

Children & Families of Iowa (Des Moines) 515.243.6147

National Runaway Safeline 800.786.2929

ChildHelp National Hotline 800.422.4453

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ Support) 866.488.7386 or text ‘START’ to 678678

LGBT National Youth Talkline 800.246.7743

Trans Lifeline 877.565.8860

Latinas Unidas por un Nuevo Amanecer 866.256.7668, 515.271.5060 (Des Moines)

Nissa African Family Services Helpline 844.269.6203

Monsoon Asians & Pacific Islanders 866.881.4641

RISE – Resources for Indigenous Survivors 641.481.0334

Thrive Together 319.531.7719 or text 515.661.4015

Schedule

march, 2024

HAPPENING NOW

HOPE! Drama 2022-23 Company

Jack

Rhya

Gbomi

Hudson

Catie

Lily

Katelyn

Jeanella

Aiden

Nathan Jorgensen

Director

Ellie

Abi

Tess

Gennie

Jenna Parker

Director

Caitlin

Alex

Mia

Alayna

David A. VanCleave

Director