Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally Daniels.
Hi Sally, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have worked in the field of domestic violence for 28 years as a therapist and also Program Director, Executive Director, and currently as founder, ED and therapist. When I left the city and moved to the country there were no services for victims of domestic violence in my rural area and God told me I would be opening an agency to serve victims. A small group or friends and family started looking at what it takes to start a nonprofit and where was the greatest need. After some research we learned that Azle was one of the towns with the most need close to where I lived. We began meeting and planning and filed the nonprofit with the state in August 2015. We visited many rural agencies to learn the difference between services in rural and city agencies and opened our doors in Lake Worth in July 2016. We began serving client with counseling services, clothing, gift cards and began to have funding to help provide rental and deposit assistance. We have since been able to provide motel stays if a victim had a solid plan for safe housing and other necessary services to help families remain in safe homes. We outgrew our location with so many donations of clothing that we found a location in Azle that was big enough for a small resale store and offices in June 2018. We opened Hope’s Bazaar in September 2018 where our clients shop free and profits help us provide safety for clients. We currently offer counseling, case management, referrals, limited financial assistance, and other services that allow clients to remain safe. We have spoken at many of the nonprofit agencies in town to educated our community about the impact abuse has on the entire community as well as attend vendor events and participate in our local Chamber and other community organizations.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has not been easy. When I first started speaking to people in Azle, I received many negative responses. Some people just do not believe abuse happens in our community. Some people blame the victim for staying and others simply do not want to touch the subject because the topic hits to close to home. We have remained consistent and have finally gained a place in our community. I was named Azle Hero of the month for September 2025. We are often recognized in out local newspaper for the work we do and our fundraisers. We receive calls for community and church leaders asking for help or advice. The biggest struggle we still have is the need for an emergency shelter where victims can be safe and have an opportunity to start a new, safe life. The need is great, but funding is low. We continue to push forward and help as many victims as we can.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been a counseling therapist for 28 years. My specialty is working with victims of abuse and helping them process the trauma they have endured and helping them move from victim to survivor. I am most proud of my ability to listen to any horror story of abuse and not react. I have been told many times “I have never told anyone this before”. When I can listen with no reaction, clients believe they can continue to tell me their story. Victims are very Intune to other peoples emotions and will not tell their story if they believe the person listening cannot emotionally handle what they are being told. Second, I am most proud of stepping out in faith to walk this journey of starting a nonprofit and not giving up. I believe I have the most experience of any person in our community working with victims of abuse.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I have said for 28 years that I wish I could work myself out of a job, but the truth is that domestic violence is still here and until we as a society create tougher laws and hold abusers accountable for their actions and teach our children that abuse and bullying are wrong abuse will continue. When we tell our little girls that when a little boy pulls her hair it is because the little boy likes her, we are establishing the concept the abuse means love. When we accept having a bad day or being drunk as an excuse for abuse, abuse will continue. Change will not happen until we insist change happens and enforce those changes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://futurehopeandhealingcenter.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fhhcorg/
Image Credits
All images are from my camera except the picture of me which was taken at church and were were given permission to use as we wanted.
