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COVID-19 UPDATE

Letter from Elizabeth Santiago, Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friend,

As our community navigates through this challenging and unprecedented time, Center for Safety & Change remains committed to our steadfast mission of delivering much needed support for victims and their families. As always, the safety and wellness of our dedicated staff and the broader communities we serve are paramount.

History has shown us that during any health and/or financial crisis there is an escalation of violence and abuse among those already experiencing violence or previously impacted by violence.  As the calls coming in to our 24-Hour Hotline continue to increase daily during this crisis, here is what we are doing:

On Monday, March 16th the Center went remote, leveraging robust technology for daily operations while maintaining our ability to provide victim assistance and confidentiality. All of our walk-in offices are closed with the intent of reopening on April 6th.

Our Emergency Residential Shelter will continue to operate 24/7. We anticipate that this shift will have little impact on our ability to serve the needs of our clients. As always, our 24-Hour Hotline (845) 634-3344 will be available with advocates answering calls.

All in person support groups have been cancelled with the intent of reconvening on April 20th.

We are monitoring the CDC’s developments regarding the spread and impact of the virus. The Center is maintaining recommended guidelines, and the guidelines of DOH and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) in the areas in which we operate.

We have taken proactive measures to ensure operational effectiveness and encouraging healthy hygiene habits.

Currently, we have put a hold on accepting in-kind donations, however gift cards and monetary support continue to be essential and welcomed.

We have postponed our upcoming events and will continue to bring you details as they unfold:

    • A Night for Change, previously scheduled for Saturday, May 9th has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 4th
    • The Fashion Pop Up, previously scheduled for Monday, April 20th will be postponed to the Fall with a date to be determined
    • The Fashion Sale is still scheduled for June 9, 10, and 11th
    • A date for Carolyn Fish’s Memorial Service will be confirmed in the near future
    • The Business Luncheon will be on Friday, December 4th

 

During this pandemic, many victims who might otherwise be in a position to leave the home for community spaces or work are now trapped in the home with an abuser heighted by circumstantial stressors. Current social distancing requirements may lead to catastrophic results for those in our community most vulnerable. We must remain a resource to help them be safe.

Make no mistake. This is an incredibly difficult and uncertain time for all, but by working together and supporting one another we can – and will – overcome. As a strong and resilient community, we must choose to not be defined by this challenge, but to be lifted up by it. We are 40 years strong thanks to our most gracious and committed benefactors, like you.

Today, I ask for your continued support. Please consider making a donation to help us best navigate these unchartered waters, keep our doors open, maintain our much-needed team of advocates and deliver essential services to the most vulnerable in our community.

To make a gift, please donate or call our office (845) 634-3391.

I wish all of you good health and thank you for your continued support during this most challenging time.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth Santiago

P.S. We encourage everyone to follow us on social media for the most to date information at our agency. Thank you!

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