Check Out Cindy Sims’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindy Sims

Hi Cindy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Thankfully, I have had many wonderful work experiences. I have owned 2 businesses (The Spoiled Lady, Bridal & Formal Shop) (The Castle for Kids Toy Store); worked in the medical field; and now, I am blessed to be the ED of the domestic and sexual assault center in our area. As Director of Center of Hope I am able to use all of my previous work experiences all in one place. We have a Thrift Boutique, so my business background comes in handy. We also have a SAFE Clinic, so my medical experience is useful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Changing jobs/careers can be challenging, or it has been for me. Knowing when to let go and move forward hasn’t been as difficult as getting to the new place and dealing with the struggles of learning a new position or way of doing things. Those changes seem to be the obstacles/challenges I have faced. Relearning things you thought you knew, looking at things through a different lens, and using your experiences differently than you ever imagined hasn’t always been easy. You can have ideas of what you think about things, but it isn’t until it really affects you that you know how you would respond or exactly what you would do. I like to say ‘things don’t affect you until the affect you’.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am the Executive Director of Center of Hope. We serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking. The organization has been serving our community since 1988, I have been ED for the last 7 years. I am most proud of the work we do in the schools teaching young people about healthy/unhealthy relationships as well as the work it took to open a SAFE Clinic where survivors of rape can come and receive care in a confidential, healthy space. Center of Hope also has a facility dog, Treble. He was professionally trained and donated by Canine Companions. Treble is an amazing asset to our shelter, intake and court programs. Our commitment to the care, resources, services, and education we extend to our clients and the educational outreach in our community sets us apart from others.

What’s next?
The climate in our world is changing. Threats of cutting federal funding weighs heavy on our organization, and organizations like ours who depend on funding for victims of crime. Our future plans remain to serve victims of violence; however, we are preparing and hoping our amazing community steps up and helps us remain financially strong. Be on the look-out on ways you can help Center of Hope and other amazing organizations stay financially strong and focused on our missions. You can donate online at givingmatters.civicore.com/centerofhopetn

Pricing:

• All of our services are free!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://centerofhopetn.org
• Instagram: centerofhopetn.org
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/centerofhopetn