Rivers of Hope relocates to Buffalo

Rivers of Hope has relocated from its small office in Monticello to a larger facility in Buffalo, providing additional space to expand its community presence, strengthen partnerships, and make services more accessible to individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.

Now located at 102 Marty Drive in Buffalo, Rivers of Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to domestic violence prevention, education, and advocacy throughout Wright and Sherburne counties. 

Founded in Elk River in 1989, the organization moved to Monticello approximately a decade later. Rising rental costs and the need for additional space prompted its recent relocation to Buffalo.

“Our address has changed, our service has not,” said Rivers of Hope Executive Director Kalleah Kennedy.

“We’re a small team of seven who cover Sherburne and Wright County. We’re in the court systems, we work with the police, and we’re in all the schools,” Kennedy explained. “Our service delivery and how entrenched we are in all the systems within our two counties is only going to deepen because now we have a space in Buffalo that is much larger and offers more integrated relationships.”

Kennedy hopes the new location will increase awareness of the organization and encourage greater community involvement in supporting those affected by domestic violence.

“Domestic violence for so long has been a don’t ask, don’t tell situation,” Kennedy said. “People don’t necessarily want to think about it because it’s unpleasant. It’s a very isolating issue to deal with.”

Kennedy emphasized that addressing domestic violence requires a communitywide effort.

“We need to create a community presence because it does happen here. In order for us to end the cycle of domestic violence in our homes, in our schools, and in our community, we all need to work together,” she said.

The response to the organization’s arrival in Buffalo has been encouraging.

“In the few weeks that we’ve been in Buffalo, we’ve already had people coming in, and we’ve had more community partnerships asking how they can help.”

Rivers of Hope works closely with medical professionals, faith leaders, law enforcement, and other community organizations to connect individuals experiencing domestic violence with available resources.

“We work with these community partners and in turn help people get the services they need,” Kennedy said.

Advocacy and support services

Advocacy remains central to the mission of Rivers of Hope. The organization provides safety planning, emotional support, and assistance navigating the legal system. “Advocacy is that second pair of eyes and ears in a courtroom,” Kennedy explained.

Referrals come from a variety of sources, including medical professionals who can provide patients with information about Rivers of Hope while maintaining patient confidentiality.

“We work to give people options. We help them create a safety plan if they are in a situation where they can’t leave due to a lack of financial, transportation, or housing resources,” Kennedy said.

For individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, seeking help can be particularly challenging when resources are limited.

“Wright and Sherburne counties don’t have a shelter. People have to completely uproot their lives and go to St. Cloud, Anoka, or Duluth to access a shelter,” Kennedy said. 

The lack of nearby shelter options makes safety planning an especially important component of the organization’s services. Advocates help individuals determine whether they need an order for protection or harassment restraining order, gather necessary documentation, and understand the legal process.

Kennedy explained that providing information and options can be an important first step toward regaining independence.

“Those first steps are often very healing for the survivor. For many of them, it’s the first time they feel some sense of control, and realize that they do have options.”

Rivers of Hope also offers a support group that meets every other week, covering topics such as financial planning, goal setting, and recognizing healthy relationships. The program helps participants develop the skills and confidence needed to move forward and rebuild their lives.

Youth education and prevention

In addition to its adult advocacy services, Rivers of Hope operates youth programs focused on education, prevention, and early intervention.

The organization partners with schools to help students, counselors, and school resource officers recognize signs of abuse and understand how to respond.

“We go to school resource officers and counselors and talk about the signs of teen-dating violence, the signs of child abuse,” Kennedy said. “We also go to elementary classrooms and talk to kids about what a healthy friendship looks like.”

Rivers of Hope also provides case management services for K-12 students who have witnessed domestic violence, offering a safe and supportive environment where children can discuss difficult issues, including substance abuse and mental illness.

“We’re that trusted advisor for them,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy emphasized that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It can also involve emotional and psychological manipulation, intimidation, and controlling behavior. “These forms of abuse can take much longer to heal,” she said.

Rivers of Hope advocates often maintain relationships with survivors long after they have left an abusive situation, continuing to provide encouragement and support as they rebuild their lives.

“We work with people through the entire process. Our advocates often will check in with people even after they have been able to rebuild their lives.”

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The organization’s relocation comes during October, which is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting survivors, and remembering those who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

Kennedy shared that 40 people in Minnesota lost their lives to domestic violence in 2025, including one person in Sherburne County.

For Rivers of Hope, the month serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention, advocacy, and continued community support.

“For us, it’s not only about honoring those we’ve lost, but also protecting those that have been able to survive and make sure that they have everything they need to live the life they deserve,” Kennedy said.

To date, in 2026, the organization has assisted 1,173 individuals in Sherburne and Wright Counties, with a total of 9,069 services provided. 

With its new home in Buffalo, Rivers of Hope plans to build on its longstanding work throughout Wright and Sherburne counties, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring that individuals and families affected by domestic violence know that help is available.