UTICA, N.Y. (Nov. 2, 2021) – YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) was awarded $25,000 by M&T Bank/Partners Trust Bank Charitable Fund (MTPT) at the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties in support of crucial crisis programming. All of the agency’s crisis services, including emergency shelter, are provided at no cost to the client.
“The support of MTPT is extraordinary,” says YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato. “With this grant, we will do so much good for our clients and their families in our shelters. We extend our sincerest thanks to the fund committee for their generosity.”
The funds will cover program expenses in both emergency domestic violence shelters. YWCA MV residential staff offer 24/7 support that clients can access directly throughout stay. Available services include one-on-one counseling with a licensed clinician, support groups with other survivors, and case management during the transition from shelter to independent living.
“Many survivors arrive at shelter with nothing more than the clothes on their back,” adds Stancato. “Our team works hard to make sure everyone feels at home during their time with us.”
YWCA MV provides residents with commodities to keep throughout their stay and after, including towels, bedding, toiletries, and spare clothing. Staff also keep a stocked kitchen, keeping in mind any dietary restrictions of current residents. Funds from the MTPT award will also supplement these care-related expenses.
“YWCA MV does so much to make the Mohawk Valley a better place, and their emergency domestic violence shelters are models for our nation,” says David Manzelmann, Utica Market President at M&T Bank and Chair of the MTPT. “This funding is a testament to the excellent work YWCA MV does in moving survivors of domestic abuse from emergency shelter into safe, affordable housing. We’re honored to do a small part to support this important work, as well as the survivors who depend on it.”
YWCA MV is available for anyone experiencing domestic and/or sexual violence via our free and confidential 24-hour hotline services. Visit ywcamv.org/Chat to reach an advocate directly through our private, secure server. In Oneida County, call or text 315.797.7740 for domestic and sexual violence crisis services. In Herkimer County, call 315.866.4120 for child advocacy and adult sexual violence crisis services. For more information about YWCA MV, visit ywcamv.org.
###