Senator Fred Akshar joins local organizations to announce funding for domestic violence services

Senator Fred Akshar joined representatives from the YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association), Rise, A New Hope Center, and the Crime Victims Assistance Center to announce $55,000 in state funds for domestic violence services. The announcement coincides with October being named National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The funding includes: $10,000 for A New Hope Center in Owego to provide domestic violence services to the community through shelter and support; $10,000 for Rise Domestic Violence Services in Endicott to provide civil/criminal domestic violence legal services to domestic violence victims as well as including shelter, counseling and education; $10,000 for YWCA Binghamton to provide domestic violence services to the community, including shelter and counseling; and $25,000 for Crime Victims Assistance Center in Binghamton to provide civil/criminal domestic violence legal services to domestic violence victims along with education and awareness.

“I’d like to commend our local organizations on the important work they do for our community and victims of domestic violence,” said Senator Fred Akshar. “This cause has a profound impact on me because before I was a Senator I worked in law enforcement and I saw first-hand the devastating effects of domestic violence on children and families. I’m happy to advocate for these organizations and secure funding to help victims of domestic violence.”

Fran Bialy, executive director of A New Hope Center stated, “A New Hope Center would like to thank Senator Akshar for your continued support to serve people that are harmed by those who commit acts of domestic violence. A New Hope Center is able to help fill the gaps in needs that survivors face through this support, through our sheltering program, companion animal rescue program, and non-residential domestic violence services.” 

Raini Baudendistel, executive director of the Crime Victims Assistance Center, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this funding from Senator Akshar. The Crime Victims Assistance Center provides services to all innocent victims of crime in Broome County and has done so for over 35 years.”

She added, “Thank you, Senator, for supporting the Center in its mission to respond to those in the surrounding area during their time of greatest need.”