Hope United Survivor Network

Tara Joyner



Tara Joyner joined Gaston County in 2006 as a foster care social worker and continued on her career path in child welfare. Over the years, she managed numerous areas in child welfare such as Foster Care, Foster Home Licensing, Adoptions, Quality Assurance, and Training. During her time with the Department of Health and Human Services, she also established the Gaston County Therapeutic Visitation Center while working to create a Family Justice Center. In 2020, Tara launched the Gaston County Family Justice Center, which led to the development of Hope United Survivor Network, a department specifically designed to support survivors across the lifespan, containing the Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center and the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center. Tara is passionate about collaboration and creating ways in which help is attainable to all in our community.

Tara Joyner

Hope United Survivor Network
Executive Director

Hope United Survivor Network is a community collaborative working in one location to provide survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse and childhood sexual trauma a safe and secure place to receive the help they need. Hope United Survivor Network houses The Family Justice Center, The Lighthouse Children’s Advocacy Center, and The Cathy Mabry Cloninger Center – A Domestic Violence Shelter. Our mission is to serve citizens impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse, and childhood trauma by providing and coordinating services around survivors and their families. Hope United works in collaboration with community partners to address clients’ needs, provide prevention education, and ongoing case management with a focus on increased offender accountability resulting in a safer community.