August 2018

New Funding Announced for Chenango Help Restore Hope Center

State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I/Ref-Oneonta) today joined officials from local domestic violence prevention programs to announce state grants totaling $45,000 to help support key community services.

The funding awards announced by Senator Seward included:
•Opportunities for Otsego - $15,000;
•Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie Counties - $15,000;
•Delaware Opportunities - $7,500;
•Liberty Resources (Chenango County) - $7,500.

“These community programs provide vital services for those in dire need, who often have nowhere else to turn,” said Senator Seward.   “We are fortunate to have so many local organizations providing help to vulnerable individuals, and I am pleased to assist them in their efforts to make our communities safer.  These agencies are lifelines and, in many cases, are all that stand between a domestic violence victim and further harm.”

Along with providing grant funds to assist local, non-profit violence intervention programs, Senator Seward is also a proponent of strong laws to help protect women, curb domestic violence, and assist victims.

“Victims of domestic violence and sexual harassment are often dealing with both physical and emotional trauma.  Throughout my time as a state senator, I have worked to enact laws to help protect individuals from violence and ensure that victims are not mistreated further and are able to start rebuilding their lives,” Seward added.

This year, the state budget included several provisions to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.  Several bills were passed by both the senate and assembly and will be sent to the governor for final approval.

April 2018

Wear Jeans Wednesday April 25 to Protest Sexual Assault

Join with Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center raise awareness and prevent Sexual Assault by wearing your jeans on Denim Day, April 25.

Denim Day, www.denimdayinfo.org, the annual sexual violence prevention and education campaign, will take place on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. We are encouraging people across Central New York to wear jeans to support survivors of sexual assault and raise awareness around sexual violence issues.

Now in its 19th year, Denim Day is held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Millions of supporters around the country and globally are expected to participate this year.

The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it.

Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

Please help us raise awareness and funds to benefit survivors in the Madison County community by collecting $5 from each person who wears jeans to work April 25. For more information on submitting your donations, please contact: Joanne Smith, Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center Supervisor, T: (315) 363-0048 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

March 2018

Supporting The United Way

The Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center provides victim services to over six-hundred survivors and families each year through our City of Oneida office. Survivors come through our doors at a time in their lives when they need assistance the most. For nearly thirty years, we have helped them rebuild and transform their lives.

Free and confidential services available include: our hotline (1-855-966-9723), violence counseling and therapy services, support groups, accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, sexual assault nurse examiner services, safe shelter for emergency domestic violence situations, assistance with Office of Victim Services compensation applications, holistic healing workshops, professional trainings, and community education. All these services are provided to survivors through our team of caring and professional advocates, nurses, therapists, community partners, and volunteers. 

Support from the United Way of Greater Oneida make many services, like ours, possible. For many survivors who do not have access to transportation, having local services is critical. 

Please continue to support the United Way of Greater Oneida. Your generous contributions help support our community’s survivors, so they can receive help needed to improve their quality of life. On behalf of the staff of the Help Restore Hope Center, we thank the community and the United Way of Greater Oneida for your on-going support.

December 2017

2017 Purple Ribbon Campaign A Success

YWCA Mohawk Valley, Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center: Thankful for Community Support for This Year’s Purple Ribbon Sale!

Visitors to local SavOn convenience stores this October were greeted by walls adorned colorfully with hundreds of purple awareness ribbons! These paper ribbons were sold to help promote awareness during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On behalf of our agencies and the thousands of survivors we serve in central New York, we thank the community, the Oneida Indian Nation, and SavOn employees for your participation in the second annual 2017 Purple Ribbon campaign! This amazing show of support is incredible. This only reinforces the fact that by working together we can build healthier, violence-free communities. 

This was only our second year of Purple Ribbon sales, but we are so pleased to share that the sale surpassed our hopes this year. Thanks to our partners’ invaluable time and effort, $4,197.00 was raised from donations and ribbons that were sold! All proceeds benefit the local domestic violence programs offered by both YWCA Mohawk Valley and Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center. These life-changing, life-saving services help families right here in our central New York communities and are vital to ending the cycle of domestic violence. We sincerely thank all of the participants for their belief in our work, their generosity, and commitment.

Domestic violence services are free and confidential, available by county-area. For information on YWCA Mohawk Valley, which serves Oneida County please call 315.797.7740. For information on Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center, which serves Madison and Chenango Counties (City of Oneida and Norwich areas), please call 1.855.966.9723.

Sincerely,
Dianne Stancato  
Chief Executive Officer YWCA Mohawk Valley

Sara Haag, MSW
Divisional Director Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center

November 2017

Liberty Resources awarded 2017 Distinguished Service Award

The vast contributions of Liberty Resources to the community were celebrated Friday evening as the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce presented the agency with their annual Distinguished Service Award.

And even as representatives from the agency told the dinner audience about their work, the Chamber members present might just have taken away some inspiration themselves about the invaluable outreach Liberty Resources offers to the most vulnerable people of the area.

“I think it was great the way they shared the story about Liberty Resources, and I hope the people here tonight will take something away with them from that,” said Chamber president Jennifer Cossette.

The 123rd annual event, held at the Kallet Civic Center, was emceed by Sam Reeder, who said he had had much interaction with Liberty Resources through his work with the Salvation Army. He complimented their unyielding commitment to making sure the needs of their recipients are fully met.
“They leave no stone unturned to find help,” Reeder said.

Cossette explained that the annual award dinner was established in 1893 to recognize individuals and groups who have made an impact on the community. Liberty Resources was founded right in Oneida in 1978, she said, and since then has worked with people in need of a variety of services. They started with 13 staff members serving less than 50 people annually. Today, Liberty Resources is headquartered in Syracuse, with locations throughout New York State, Texas, and Florida. They currently have more than 1,400 professional staff members who offer support services including assistance, counseling, shelter, and treatment to nearly 16,000 individuals and families.

Whether they are in domestic violence situations, recovering from addiction, suffering mental illness, or have needs of another kind, Liberty Resources is there for them. The Oneida area community is very fortunate to have a group like Liberty Resources here to lend a helping hand, Cossette said.

The event brought Liberty Resources vice-president for disability services Steve Russell and divisional director of family services Sara Haag to the podium to give their own insights into the workings of the agency. Russell gave kudos to all of the invaluable staff members who make Liberty Resources the success it is, and recalled back to when their original location at 218 Liberty Street was one of the first to welcome individuals when the state institutions were being phased out.

A main mission is to improve citizenship and advance the rights of the most vulnerable of the communities they serve, and Russell said they couldn’t do that without the support of the community members.

“That would be impossible without the support of the communities,” he said. “In Oneida, we see that all the time. I just want to say thank you to the community for supporting our mission of improving lives and building futures.”

Haag offered a look at several “thank you” notes she had seen in her time with Liberty Resources, all “precious reminders” of the breakthroughs they have made. Even with all of their successes, Liberty Resources is continuing to look for new ways to help people, especially the ones who feel they have been left out or might not be eligible for existing programs, she added.

“We are seeking to find gaps in services that we can fill,” Haag said. “We want to tell people they are not alone.”

Official proclamations were also shared from United States Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, New York State Sen. David Valesky and Assemblyman Bill Magee, and Oneida City Mayor Leo Matzke and Deputy Mayor Jim Chamberlain.

Haag said she appreciated the opportunity to come out and applaud the work of the people at Liberty Resources.

“Any time I get the chance to talk about this very talented team is a great time,” Haag said. “I am very proud and very honored to be here.”

Watch for the entire presentation coming soon on local public access channel PAC 99.

 October 2017

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

To the Editor,

As many as one in four women and one in seven men have been victims of domestic violence, according to statistics provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. In Madison County alone, an annual average of more than four hundred individuals and families seek out help due to violence in the home. (more than 100 in Chenango County) Abuse is 100% preventable and Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center seeks to raise awareness to help those that need it the most.

Help Restore Hope Center provides help and hope for survivors in a variety of ways such as through the emergency domestic violence shelter, and by non-residential advocacy, clinical, and therapy services.

This October, let us honor National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by promoting peace in our own families, homes, and communities. No longer will survivors and their friends remain silent about violence. Raise your voice. To help spread awareness of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we invite you to:
• Learn the signs and symptoms of domestic violence. Visit our program website anytime at www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org to learn more about the ways you or a loved one can receive help.
• Purple Ribbon Campaign, throughout the month of October or while supplies last, you can buy a purple ribbon for $1.00 at any SAV-ON stores in Madison or Oneida Counties. Proceeds help support the Help Restore Hope Center’s shelter services and the YWCA Mohawk Valley. Together we can raise awareness!
• Go PURPLE wear purple attire on Thursday, October 19th to raise awareness and support survivors. You can post your purple selfies and group pictures on social media using hashtag #DVAM.
• Fall Sales Event, when you shop at both Mine & Consign and Kyme's Pallet Art Shops in Oneida (127 & 131 Broad St., Oneida, NY 13421) on Saturday, October 14th, 10% of the proceeds go to Help Restore Hope Center!
• Shop & Change donation buckets will be placed at various businesses throughout the area with Help Restore Hope Center information.
• Educational Event Madison County Domestic Violence Meeting, on Wednesday, October 18th at the Gorman Foundation (1081 Northside Shopping Plaza, Oneida, NY 13421) from 9AM-11AM - all interested are welcome to come and learn about local domestic violence initiatives.

More information on these and our other events is available on our website at www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org and on social media at www.facebook.com/HelpRestoreHopeCenter and www.twitter.com/HelpRestoreH0pe. We ask that you stand with Help Restore Hope Center against domestic violence this and every month. For more information on free and confidential help for survivors, please call Liberty Resources’ Oneida office at 315-363-0048 or for immediate assistance the 24/7 client hotline at 1-855-966-9723.

 Self-Care and Wellness Fair - Norwich Evening Sun

Nearly 1 out of every 4 U.S. women are the victims of severe intimate partner violence, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women are much more likely to be victims of intimate partner violence with 85% of domestic abuse victims being women. Violence of any kind—physical, sexual, psychological or verbal—is never justified.

Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center is the provider of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault services in Chenango County, housed in Norwich, NY.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to recognize the courage of people who have said “no” to violence and to spread awareness about domestic violence emergency shelters and services life,” states Joanne Smith, Help Restore Hope Center, Clinical Program Supervisor.

More than 20 local Chenango County businesses are participating in the first Help Restore Hope Self-Care and Wellness Fair to bring awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness month on October 20th from 6:00–9:00pm at the Norwich Fire Dept., 3rd Floor (31 East Main St. Norwich, NY).

The event offers opportunity to visit and shop with a wide variety of services, as well as occasion to receive free samples, free manicures, free massages, free acupuncture, and more!

“We are passionate about hosting our first Self-Care and Wellness Fair to bring awareness of Domestic Violence Awareness month. We want this event to bring together the community in hopes of end the cycles of abuse, neglect, and sadness,” explains Jennifer Price, Help Restore Hope Center, Chenango County Advocate. “We want to celebrate the survivors, the forth comers, the all who want to come forward and let Chenango County residents learn more about our services, and most importantly help them realize they have support, and are never alone.”

“For 30 years, Help Restore Hope Center, formerly known as Victims of Violence program, has been providing domestic violence shelter and services in Madison County and now is the current approved/recognized provider in Chenango County too,” explained Sara Haag, Liberty Resources Divisional Director, Family Services Madison and Chenango Counties. “While support and awareness of domestic violence has risen over the years, unfortunately the need for emergency services has also risen.”

Special thanks to sponsors: Chobani, Tops, Save A Lot, Walmart, Fidelis Care, Wild Owl Café, Service Pharmacy, Giligan’s, Joe & Vinny’s Pizzeria, and Tune Time DJ Service for their donations.

Call our 24/7 domestic violence hotline if you or someone you know is affected by violence and needs help at 1-855-9NOWSAFE/1-855-966-9723. Visit the program website at www.helprestorehopecenter.org for more information.

September 2017

SANE Program Provides Critical Sexual Assault Victim Services for Madison County

Colgate University, Community Memorial, and Liberty Resources began meetings in 2016 to connect passionate and motivated individuals in the community with an interest in providing more resources for local assault survivors. This unprecedented rural community partnership created the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program to provide sexual assault or abuse victims with critical medical and trauma care in southern Madison County.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners are registered nurses who have completed specialized education and clinical preparation in the medical forensic care of a patient who has experienced sexual abuse. SANE services – which include emergency contraception, trauma response, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, forensic medical care, and referral to further support services – are vital for evidence collection to identify and hold offenders accountable. Most important, however, is the survivor’s treatment and recovery.

“The launch of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner initiative with a focus on the college student population allows us to support survivors through the aftermath of a sexual assault and respond in the most compassionate ways possible,” said Dawn LaFrance, PsyD, Colgate University Director of Counseling and Psychological Services.

“Community Memorial Hospital is proud to partner with Liberty Resources and Colgate University to provide this crucial service for the region,” said Sean Fadale, President and CEO of Community Memorial Hospital.  “The launch of this program demonstrates a combined effort of organizations and individuals focused on providing exceptional care for individuals who have suffered a sexual assault.  We are all focused on providing the best interventions possible for our patients and connecting with our community partners.”

“Our community will benefit from this first-of-a-kind team providing quality health care close to home,” said Merrill Miller, MD, Colgate University Director Health Services, “Our five inaugural SANE nurses have completed extensive training courses and been approved by New York State. They are ready to help victims become survivors, and to move forward after a traumatic experience.”  

“Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center is thankful to be a part of this collaboration between Colgate University and Community Memorial Hospital. This effort will increase access greatly for survivors to exams for evidence collection and prosecution.  Rural communities may have less access to resources than larger city areas, but we still have these same needs for trauma-informed survivor care,” said Sara Haag, Liberty Resources Divisional Director.

Madison County SANE services can be accessed by contacting Help Restore Hope Center’s hotline at 1-855-9NOWSAFE/1-855-966-9723 or presenting directly to the emergency room at Community Memorial in Hamilton. From there, the survivor will be taken to a private area within the hospital. Advocates are available 24/7 to provide support to the survivor throughout the SANE exam and processes which follow – longer term help is also available.  

June 2017

 To the Editor of the Cazenovia Republican,

Liberty Resources, Inc. Help Restore Hope Center would like to thank all who generously donate to the United Community Chest of Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson. The continued support and funding from the community make it possible for the Help Restore Hope Center to provide high quality services to victims of crime, including survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Help Restore Hope Center provides free and confidential services to individuals and families. Program services include a 24 hour/7 day a week support hotline (1-855-9NOWSAFE/1-855-966-9723), counseling and therapy services, support groups for survivors, medical and legal accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, safe shelter for emergency domestic violence situations, assistance with Office of Victim Services compensation applications, and innovative survivor holistic healing workshops.

Additionally, Help Restore Hope Center provides professional trainings, community education and encourages community collaboration with those that provide help to survivors. It is only with these dollars that we are able to provide the variety of extensive services to those in need. Your generous contributions to the United Community Chest of Cazenovia, Fenner, and Nelson help support our community’s most vulnerable individuals so they can receive the support needed to improve quality of life for themselves and their families. Thank you for your support.

 
Watch a Bridge Street Video About HRHC:

April 2017
"Madison County Proclamation," Oneida Daily Dispatch

The [Madison County Board of Supervisors] board enacted a resolution proclaiming April as the national child abuse prevention and sexual assault awareness month with the intent of bringing awareness to the fact that abuse and violence are widespread.  Nationwide it is estimated that 679,000 children are the victims of abuse and neglect each year. Furthermore, 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be assaulted at some point in their lives.  In Madison County, there are an estimated 300 cases of sexual assault each year, and in 2016 the Madison County Department of Social Services received 1,634 reports of child abuse and mistreatment.  Of that figure, 230 of the most serious physical and sexually abusive reports were investigated by a multi-disciplinary team, resulting in 41 arrests.  Throughout April, the Madison County Department of Social Services, the Madison County Child Advocacy Center, and Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center will be concentrating efforts in spreading awareness and education of sexual assault in order to deter child and adult abuse.

April 2017
"Support Sexual Assault Victims," Oneida Daily Dispatch & Evening Sun

The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Engaging New Voices,” builds on the idea that we are stronger together, and that new partners and community members are needed to expand sexual assault prevention efforts. Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center – (formerly known as the Victims of Violence Program) is proud to be partnering with many community organizations and individuals this month to give voice to those impacted by violence, see www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org/news for the full list of April events!

We can all help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect. According to National Sexual Violence Resource Center statistics, nearly one in five women and one in 71 men are victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives.

There is hope! Survivors, like Melissa King, a Volunteer Ambassador, play an important role in providing hope for other survivors. Melissa was impacted by sexual violence and experienced trauma that caused her much pain and suffering. Melissa has courageously begun sharing a message of hope to other survivors while advocating for those hurting and in pain. “I have found that by sharing my experience it enables me to help advocate for others in need,” Melissa shares. Sharing and advocating for others can be a part of a healing process.

We all have a role to play in preventing sexual violence in our community. Our actions, big and small, have a ripple effect on those we teach, guide, and influence. From modeling healthy behavior to addressing inappropriate conduct, everyone can make a difference. Changing beliefs which contribute to sexual violence starts with believing survivors of sexual violence when they share their stories.

You can help by calling out victim-blaming comments or rape jokes if you see them online. Remind those around you that sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. Seemingly small actions like this make a critical impact.

Get engaged this April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join us in embracing your role in ending sexual assault. Learn more about how you can use your voice for change and awareness month activities at www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org.

Sara Haag, divisional director and Joanne Smith, clinical program supervisor, Liberty Resources Inc.

March 30, 2017

To The Editor,

The month of April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year’s theme, “Engaging New Voices,” builds on the idea that we are stronger together, and that new partners and community members are needed to expand sexual assault prevention efforts. Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center – (formerly known as the Victims of Violence Program) is proud to be partnering with many community organizations and individuals this month to give voice to those impacted by violence, see www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org/news for the full list of April events!

We can all help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect. According to National Sexual Violence Resource Center statistics, nearly one in five women and one in seventy-one men are victims of sexual assault at some point in their lives.

There is hope! Survivors, like Melissa King, a Volunteer Ambassador, play an important role in providing hope for other survivors. Melissa was impacted by sexual violence and experienced trauma that caused her much pain and suffering. Melissa has courageously begun sharing a message of hope to other survivors while advocating for those hurting and in pain. “I have found that by sharing my experience it enables me to help advocate for others in need,” Melissa shares. Sharing and advocating for others can be a part of a healing process.

We all have a role to play in preventing sexual violence in our community. Our actions, big and small, have a ripple effect on those we teach, guide, and influence. From modeling healthy behavior to addressing inappropriate conduct, everyone can make a difference. Changing beliefs which contribute to sexual violence starts with believing survivors of sexual violence when they share their stories.

You can help by calling out victim-blaming comments or rape jokes if you see them online. Remind those around you that sexual assault is never the survivor’s fault. Seemingly small actions like this make a critical impact.

Get engaged this April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join us in embracing your role in ending sexual assault. Learn more about how you can use your voice for change and awareness month activities at www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org.

March 2017

To the Editor of the Oneida Dispatch,

Liberty Resources, Inc. Help Restore Hope Center, formerly known as the Victims of Violence Program, would like to thank all who generously donate to the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc.’s campaigns. The continued support and funding from the community make it possible for the Help Restore Hope Center to provide high quality services to victims of crime, including survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Help Restore Hope Center provides free and confidential services. Program services include a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline (855-9NOWSAFE/855-966-9723), counseling and therapy services, support groups for survivors, medical and legal accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, safe shelter for emergency domestic violence situations, assistance with Office of Victim Services compensation applications, and innovative survivor holistic healing workshops.

Additionally, Help Restore Hope Center provides professional trainings, community education and encourages community collaboration with those that provide help to survivors. It is only with these dollars that we are able to provide the variety of extensive services to those in need. Your generous contributions to the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc. help support our community’s most vulnerable individuals so they can receive the support needed to improve quality of life for themselves and their families. Thank you for your support.

March 2017

"Giving Aid To Help Restore Hope," Oneida Daily Dispatch & Evening Sun

Liberty Resources, Inc. Help Restore Hope Center, formerly known as the Victims of Violence Program, would like to thank all who generously donate to the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc.’s campaigns. The continued support and funding from the community make it possible for the Help Restore Hope Center to provide high quality services to victims of crime, including survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Help Restore Hope Center provides free and confidential services. Program services include a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline (1-855-9NOWSAFE/1-855-966-9723), counseling and therapy services, support groups for survivors, medical and legal accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, safe shelter for emergency domestic violence situations, assistance with Office of Victim Services compensation applications, and innovative survivor holistic healing workshops.

Additionally, Help Restore Hope Center provides professional trainings, community education and encourages community collaboration with those that provide help to survivors. It is only with these dollars that we are able to provide the variety of extensive services to those in need. Your generous contributions to the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc. help support our community’s most vulnerable individuals so they can receive the support needed to improve quality of life for themselves and their families. Thank you for your support.

For more information about Help Restore Hope Center, please visit our website at www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org or call the 218 Liberty St., Oneida office at (315) 363-0048.

Sara Haag, divisional director, and Joanne Smith, clinical program supervisor, Liberty Resources, Inc.

February 6, 2017

 To The Editor (The Evening Sun),

Liberty Resources, Inc.’s Help Restore Hope Center (formerly known as the Victims of Violence Program) would like to thank both the Chenango United Way and Chenango County community members for their support! The Help Restore Hope Center is proud to be a new United Way Community Partner. The funding will make it possible to provide a larger scope of high quality services to victims of crime, including survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Since 2015, Liberty Resources Help Restore Hope Center has been providing free and confidential services to individuals and families in Chenango County. Program services include a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline (855-9-NOWSAFE or 855-966-9723), groups for survivors, medical and legal accompaniment, referral and advocacy services, safe shelter referrals for emergency domestic violence situations, assistance with Office of Victim Services compensation applications, and more.

Your generous contributions to Chenango United Way help support the community’s most vulnerable individuals. Survivors can then receive the support needed to improve their quality of life for themselves and their families.

For more information on the Chenango United Way and current campaign, please visit http://www.chenangouw.org.

January 2017

"New Name," Oneida Daily Dispatch

Nearly 30 years ago, a group of concerned women sat around a table discussing the need to aid women and children who were experiencing violence in their lives. That discussion led to the creation of the Victims of Violence Program at Liberty Resources, and since 1988, the program has helped women, children, and men in the area affected by domestic or sexual violence, serving as a voice for those who were unable to speak for themselves. Twenty-eight years later, the program has rebranded itself, selecting a new name that better represents the feelings and thoughts of the community members it has aided.

Victims of Violence is no more. Now, it is the Help Restore Hope Center. The new name, said Clinical Program Coordinator Joanne Smith, was Liberty Resource’s way of acknowledging a “more current model of services” and perhaps more importantly, a way of “honoring the messages that victims needed us to hear.”

“As the program grew, we knew that it was time to honor the victims’ voices and to look for new ways to let their voices be heard,” Smith said.  Feedback from past and current community members who sought help from the former Victims of Violence program were integral to the name change. Smith explained that their voices and thoughts were key as Liberty Resources wrestled with the challenge of renaming the program.

“We are survivors, not victims.”

“We need a vision of hope, not of despair.”

“We are overcomers, not just victims that get through.”

Those sentiments helped spark the name that is also accompanied by a new logo and wesbite.The logo consists of different colored ovals overlapping to form a butterfly wing silhouette symbolizing metamorphosis, hope, and renewal. The colors used in the logo represent the community members the Help Restore Hope Center serves and include: purple, domestic violence; teal, sexual assault and rape; blue, child abuse; and silver, stalking.

“We’re still here; we just have a different name,” said Sara Haag, Liberty Resources Divisional Director of Family Services.  Though still “crunching” the 2016 figures, Haag said the Help Restore Hope Center serves approximately 600 non-duplicated individuals annually. From families to single mothers to children to single fathers, the demographics of the public served includes a variety of people.  “It could be anybody and everybody,” Haag said. “Domestic violence or sexual assault happens to all.”

Haag said the Help Restore Hope Center is funded through a combination of private donations, county contracts, and state and federal assistance.

With 10 full-time staffers - nine in the office on Liberty Street in Oneida and one in the Chenango County satellite - the Help Restore Hope Center has grown five times larger than its humble beginnings in 1988 when Cheryl Matzke and Carlene Holt began the program as Victims of Violence at Liberty Resources.

During the program’s infancy, Matzke and Holt were on call 24/7 in order to establish a working hotline for users to call, sacrificing their time, previous jobs, and family lives in order to serve individuals in need of the program’s services.

“Their motivation and passion for this work has inspired every staff member that has walked through the doors of the Victims of Violence program,” Smith said.

Smith also recognized Marianne Simberg for her efforts serving on the original committee that brought the program to Madison County and who to this day volunteers on the hotline every Friday night between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., as well as Susan Jenkins for her “efforts to make this program a reality.”

“Today has been a vision in the making - without that group of concerned women back in 1988, without all the staff that have come and gone along the way, without Liberty Resources, without our volunteers, without our community partners, without victims who have the courage to speak up - this day would not be a reality,” Smith said.

To visit the revamped website and learn more about the Help Restore Hope Center at Liberty Resources in Oneida, visit: www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org.

January 2017
"New Name," Evening Sun

Liberty Resources unveils a new name, logo, and website

for Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program this past Wednesday on January 18. After months of deliberating program name ideas from staff member, community partners, and clients, the name Help Restore Hope Center has been chosen as part of a contemporary and empowering program identity to aid survivors and provide education and prevention services in the community. Since 1988, the Liberty Resources Victims of Violence program has provided free confidential support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or trauma in the Madison and Chenango County communities. While the name of the Victims of Violence program is changing, the scope of services and program activities remain the same. Help Restore Hope Center will provide services for survivors, education, and prevention on domestic violence, child abuse, dating violence, and other forms of abuse. A new, responsive designed website has been created (www.HelpRestoreHopeCenter.org) with user-friendly navigation and easy to find information about services, resources, support groups, and tips for recognizing signs of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, child, and elder abuse.

News Archives:

"Building Violence Free Communities," Oneida Daily Dispatch, December 2016.

“The Victims of Violence Program on WSYR Bridge Street,” WSYR, October 2016.

"Churches Restoring Hope To Abuse Victims," Oneida Daily Dispatch, June 2016.

"Mother's Day Can Be Difficult For Some," Oneida Daily Dispatch, May 2016.