Everyone deserves the opportunity to
live a life of empowerment and purpose.
Who is Hope Lives?
Hope Lives - Vive la Esperanza is a community of support that meets you where you are on your journey.
Justice involvement, mental health challenges, and experiences with addiction create complex barriers that make it difficult to have the opportunity to live a life of empowerment and purpose for many in our communities.
Hope Lives is a Peer/Community-Run Organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded and led by those with lived experience in mental health recovery and justice reform. Through culturally relevant, trauma-informed services, we offer accessible behavioral health support, peer mentoring, and resource navigation, empowering individuals on their journey toward recovery. At Hope Lives, we’re committed to breaking cycles of recidivism, fostering personal transformation, and building a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone.
What is Forensic Peer Support?
Forensic Peer Support (FPS) offers a person-centered, strengths-based approach to support individuals with mental health and co-occurring challenges who become involved with the justice system. FPS is grounded in the idea that individuals with lived experience—those who have navigated similar challenges—can provide hope, guidance, and support in ways that uniquely resonate with those they serve. Forensic peers use their personal journeys of recovery to connect with and inspire individuals within the justice system, offering critical support through each stage, from initial law enforcement contact to community reentry.
CULTURALLY RELEVANT
We are dedicated to understanding and honoring the diverse backgrounds and experiences of those we serve. Hope Lives is committed to acting with cultural responsibility, ensuring our support is respectful, inclusive, and tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual in our community.
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
Our strength lies in our community. We foster a sense of belonging and connection, where peer support is based on mutual respect, shared experiences, and the collective pursuit of well-being. We believe empowerment is a tool for personal and collective growth. Our programs and interactions are designed to enable individuals to discover their strengths, make informed decisions, and take control of their journeys with confidence and dignity.
TRAUMA INFORMED
We provide a safe space where all individuals are welcomed and supported without judgment. Our approach is grounded in understanding and compassion, ensuring that everyone feels valued and heard. We are dedicated to supporting and advocating for those impacted by the justice system, mental health challenges, and/or addiction, believing firmly in the potential for transformative change.
OUR IMPACT
Hope Lives provides Forensic Peer Support Services in Maricopa, Coconino, Navajo, Yavapai, Apache, and Mohave Counties. We collaborate with a broad network of partners, including community organizations, healthcare providers, social and human services, faith-based groups, and other local institutions.
Our services cover a wide range of needs, including life-skills training, employment support, community reentry for individuals involved in the justice system, psycho-education, psychosocial rehabilitation, and substance use prevention and recovery. We also promote community and family awareness. Our work includes serving individuals with unmet needs, such as veterans and transitional-aged youth, helping them build a foundation for lasting well-being and stability.
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NEED SUPPORT?
We provide a wide range of services. Check our support services page for descriptions and schedules.
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DONATE & VOLUNTEER
We rely on community support to fund our offerings. Learn how you can directly support the work we're doing every day.
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MEMBER-MADE JEWELRY
Our member artisans have the opportunity to create and sell exceptional hand-crafted jewelry. See our collection!