Partnership Dedicated to Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
UTICA, N.Y. (Nov. 1, 2022) – Kristin’s Fund is partnering with YWCA Mohawk Valley (YWCA MV) by providing a $10,000 Emergency Fund to aid individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. The fund is dedicated to supporting clients in YWCA MV’s residential programs.
“The idea for Kristin’s Emergency Fund came from committee members after they watched the series ‘Maid’ on Netflix,” says Kristin’s Fund Founding Board Member Gina Pearce. “The series shed light on the extreme financial difficulties faced by people fleeing violent homes. It’s real; sometimes women leave with no money and no belongings. We hope Kristin’s Emergency Fund shows them they have help and people on their side who support them in their journey.”
YWCA MV offers two emergency shelters and three transitional housing programs for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence. Kristin’s Emergency Fund will provide support for all of these programs, including covering specific expenses related to transportation, maintenance, and everyday needs like furniture, clothing, and food.
“The first night in shelter can be a scary, intimidating experience,” says YWCA MV CEO Dianne Stancato. “Women and children are in a new, unfamiliar space, with people they’ve only just met. We strive to make their stays as comfortable and inviting as possible, and with the support of Kristin’s Fund, we’ll be able to make that happen for months to come.”
In 2021, YWCA MV housed 105 individuals (adults and children) in their shelters, with 82% of those residents moving on into safe, permanent, independent housing. During their stay, clients of YWCA MV have access to their free, confidential, 24-hour crisis services, including intensive case management, counseling, support groups, advocacy and accompaniment through legal, medical, and law enforcement proceedings, and more.
Kristin’s Fund was founded in memory of Kristin Palumbo Longo, who lost her life to domestic violence in 2009. Kristin’s family aims to impact the Mohawk Valley community in a positive manner in order to prevent and end domestic violence.
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, click here.