annual RepoRt

“I have hope now that is such a wonderful,
sunshine word.”
HOPE
annual
Report
2012
Administrative & Outreach Offices
6181 Thompson Road, Ste 100
Syracuse, NY 13206
www.verahouse.org
Ve r a House Ce le br a te s 3 5 Yea rs !
Message from the Executive Director Randi K. Bregman
In 2012, Vera House celebrated our 35th anniversary. When a small group of dedicated
community members led by Sister Mary Vera courageously set out to create a shelter
for battered women, I don’t think that they had any idea how their vision would
blossom.
On July 19, 1977, Vera House officially opened our doors welcoming
our first resident. In the early years, we were able to shelter up to 10
women. It was not until 1979 that Vera House began to shelter children
accompanying their mothers.
The founders of Vera House had a few simple ideas: • No one should be hurt, humiliated or put in fear by someone who is
supposed to love and care about them. Three and a half decades later in 2012, Vera House was pleased to
celebrate our 35th Anniversary. Over the years, tens of thousands of
women, children and men have come through our doors to find hope
and healing. Today we’re proud of the reputation that we’ve earned for
providing comprehensive and compassionate care to those suffering
from domestic and sexual violence. To learn more about our extensive
programs and services, please review our 2012 Program and Service
Statistics on pages 8 & 9.
• We have a responsibility to create a safe, respectful community.
• Challenging established norms is often required to accomplish the goals
above.
Thirty-five years later, we still fervently embrace these principles. We have built upon
the foundation established by our early leaders to offer comprehensive domestic and
sexual violence services.
As you read through this Annual Report, please take a moment to reflect on:
• The truly amazing work of our dedicated staff and volunteers;
• The strength and courage of the women, children and men we serve; and
• The work we still have left to do to fulfill the vision of our founders.
Thank you for your dedication to the mission of Vera House. We could not do this work every day without the support of a
very caring and generous community.
Sincerely,
B ui l d er s f or the Fu t u re
Vera House would not be here today without the vision and determination of Sr. Mary
Vera and the founding board. The highlight of our 35th Anniversary celebration
was held on Wednesday, June 6, 2012 when we welcomed nearly 300 guests to our
Annual Recognition and Celebration Luncheon. We were thrilled to have founding
Board members Mary Jo Coleman, Sr. Gloria DeCotis, Carol Sheppard-Peterson
and Elizabeth Suarez attend the event.
Looking ahead to the future, our vision is to have a world in which domestic
violence and sexual assault no longer exist, where every person is honored and
respected in their relationships, and every child can trust the adults in their life
to keep them safe. Vera House Board members, staff and volunteers work hard
to make that reality come to fruition. We are sincerely grateful for our supportive
community helping us along the way.
Sister Mary Vera
The following individuals have made a commitment to support Vera House through our planned giving
initiative, Builders for the Future. We thank them for their thoughtful planning which will help ensure
that the important work of Vera House continues for those who need it long into the future.
If you are interested in including Vera House in your estate plans, please contact Vera House
Development Director Carol Charles at (315) 425-0818 or ccharles@verahouse.org.
Elizabeth & Charles W. Beach ▪ Kathleen Bice ▪ Caroline Brust ▪ Margery Burstein
Peggy Clark ▪ Sharon Conway ▪ The DeAugustine Family
Virginia Denton - in honor of my parents, Dr. Henry & Grace Rieger ▪ Julie & Irwin Flack
Mr. & Mrs. Sean J. Foran ▪ Miesje & Bill Havens ▪ Beverly Kendrat
Antje Bultmann Lemke - in honor of Dorothy C. Witherill ▪ Jonathan B. Levick Family
Robert & Naomi Penney
Annual Report 2012
Founding Vera House Board Members enjoy our Annual Recognition
& Celebration Luncheon.
Quick Fact: On January 1, 2005, two agencies with similar missions, Rape Crisis Center of
Syracuse & Vera House, became one, merging their programs and staff in order to provide the same
quality services . . . “together for hope and healing.”
2
3
Annual Report 2012
Survivors’ Voices
and more...
“Survivors’ Voices” Video Launched
Brought to you by Verizon Wireless, Verizon Hopeline, Vera House, Inc. and Visionary Audacity.
Creating Hope - Creative Healing Group
Our Domestic Violence Education Support Group – Creating Hope – allows survivors to come together and explore
the process of creative expression to assist in the transformation of a life free from abuse.
Goals of the group include:
What does it mean to be a survivor? What does it mean to use your voice?
•• Recover a sense of Safety
In January 2012, former Vera House Advocate Christina Carney embarked on a journey to chronicle the stories of four
courageous survivors of domestic violence. After months of meetings, filming, editing and production the 54 minute
video, “Survivors’ Voices” was created and premiered Friday, September 14, 2012 at Eric Mower and Associates. You’re
invited to view the video and hear Julie, Angela, Tisha and Katie’s powerful stories in their own voices at
www.verahouse.org or visit Christina Carney’s website at www.visionaryaudacity.com. How will you use your voice? •• Recover a sense of Relaxation
•• Recover a sense of Power
•• Recover a sense of Possibility
•• Recover a sense of Identity
“Each of the four women were consistently authentic and present throughout this project, and I did
my best to offer the same in return. These elements are the ingredients for transformation, healing
and empowerment: a delicious recipe for change. I know my life will never be the same.”
Here are just some of the many art pieces created
by individuals from the Creative Healing Group.
Christina Carney, “Survivors’ Voices” Producer & Director
Project Phoenix
"Great class! I felt very free and relaxed. It was great to de-stress
and get lost in something that was for me; The workshop was
able to help focus me on the future and find my goals."
Creative Healing Group Participant
Project Phoenix, is a collaboration between the South Side Innovation Center, the WISE Women’s Business Center
and Vera House, Inc. to empower survivors of domestic violence through entrepreneurship and business ownership.
Launched in 2012, this program is sponsored by Verizon HopeLine Empowerment Program and includes the following
amazing independence building opportunities:
•• 24-hour training at the South Side Innovation Center
with topics such as financial literacy/credit repair, public
speaking and more
•• Entrepreneurial Awareness Training
Participants made “Power Shields” to symbolize their power, abilities and strengths. •• WISE Orientation - Exploring Entrepreneurship
•• Technical Assistance up to 8 hours of individual business
counseling
•• Help developing a business plan
•• Access to Verizon HopeLine continuation grants
For more information on how you can join Project Phoenix
please contact Roseanne, Vera House Victim
Advocate at (315) 425-0818 or rolszewski@verahouse.org
Annual Report 2012
4
5
Annual Report 2012
Left to right: Joanne Lenweaver, WISE Women’s Business
Center; El-Java Williams Abdul-Qadir, South Side
Innovation Center; Roseanne Olszewski, Vera House, Inc.
Vera House’s Engaging Men Program
The Vera House Engaging Men Outreach Initiative receives funding from the Office on Violence Against Women to
encourage men and boys to work as allies with women and girls to prevent domestic and sexual violence and create
healthy relationships. The program engages men in a preventive dialogue. This year the Engaging Men Outreach message
was delivered through campus programming, in faith communities and to other diverse audiences. Here are some
examples of the Engaging Men Program at work.
•• We presented to 74 Huntington School fathers
on take your child to school day. We had a great
conversation about the importance of fathers
setting good examples for their sons.
Abuse in Later Life Grant
In 2012, Onondaga County, with Vera House as the lead organization, was among
9 communities nationwide to receive a highly competitive 3-year Abuse in Later
Life Grant from The Office on Violence Against Women. This elder abuse grant
allows Vera House to continue its collaborative work with grant partners from the
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office
and Onondaga County Adult Protective Services, as well as other members of
the Syracuse Area Domestic & Sexual Violence Coalition’s Elder Abuse and Justice
Committees.
Elder abuse can manifest itself in many forms:
physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse,
John Balloni, Civil and
financial exploitation and neglect. It is underAdministrative Chief for the
recognized and under-reported, with only 1 in 35
Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office
cases being reported to authorities in our region. It
victimizes 14% of senior citizens across all genders, socioeconomic levels, cultures and
races.
•• At Syracuse University we provided sexual assault
and dating violence prevention training to
campus groups and Greek organizations. Young
men defined and discussed what sexual abuse
and dating violence are, how these issues impact
others and how to be an empowered bystander.
•• We also offered presentations and workshops to
community based organizations and groups, including Matawan Development, Southwest Community Center, Team
Angel and the Junior Frontiers.
This grant allows Vera House to enhance our community’s response to elder abuse in
several ways. Direct training will be done with local law enforcement, prosecutors and
judges. Cross-training will be provided to those who offer services to victims. Finally,
this grant funds our ability to enhance our multi-disciplinary approach to the issue.
Vera House’s 12 Men Model was further developed to engage and train male leaders in the community on preventing
domestic and sexual violence. Men in the program participated in dialogues on healthy masculinity, abuse and respect,
being an empowered bystander, and understanding the cycle of abuse within their sphere of influence. We expect to
continue to develop this network and expand the training in 2013, including faith based outreach.
Elder abuse is everybody’s business and everyone’s responsibility. The only way to
solve the issue of elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation is by coming together
as a community, and grant partners are doing just that.
Drake Harrison, Director of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program at Onondaga Community College and
one of the community leaders connected to Vera House’s 12 Men Model, had this to share on the impact of the program…
“When asked to participate in the 12 Men Project, I saw it as an opportunity for personal growth and I felt a sense of responsibility
to publicly support women in our community. Domestic violence or violence of any type against women is unacceptable. Vera
House training programs have helped individuals develop the skills necessary to defuse, resolve and more importantly prevent
violent situations. We are fortunate that Vera House serves our community with their programming and dedication.”
Rolo & Liz
Liz Quinlin, a dedicated Vera House volunteer and staff person, has been
involved in dog rescue and training for the past 25 years. She specifically
chose Rolo for use as a therapy animal because of his friendly and loving
personality. Rolo was 12 weeks old when Liz first brought him to the
shelter, and the children at shelter instantly fell in love with him.
Alternatives & Steps Programs
In an effort to hold people accountable for their actions, while also giving them tools to make better choices, Vera
House offers three programs for perpetrators of domestic violence:
Rolo became a familiar face each week and made children’s group very
fun and exciting. They would play fetch with his ball, count his teeth
and toe nails, and walk him on his leash. The children that did not speak
English were taught hand gestures so that they could also interact with
Rolo. He spent Thanksgiving and Christmas at shelter and attended
several birthday parties, allowing everyone to discover that Rolo loves
cake!
The Domestic Violence Impact Program is a 4 hour course offered one Saturday a month at the Justice Center.
This gives people with a violation level offense the opportunity to learn about domestic violence and the impact it has
on their victims.
The Alternatives Program for men and the Steps Program for women are longer programs targeting
higher level or repeat offenders of domestic violence crimes. These individuals are mandated by courts, probation and
parole to attend weekly sessions that focus on power and control, effects of domestic violence on their partners and
children, taking time-outs to prevent themselves from becoming violent, and personal responsibility. Quote: “I am who I am today because of the choices I made yesterday.”
6
Rolo at Destiny USA helping to support
the White Ribbon Campaign
For the last two years, Rolo has participated in Vera House’s White Ribbon Campaign Kick-Off Walk in downtown
Syracuse, sporting a large white bow around his neck. Most recently Liz and Rolo went to Destiny USA and sold
ribbons, bracelets and gourmet dog treats to benefit Vera House. Vera House has been very fortunate to watch
Rolo grow up and bring so many smiles to our residents. Thank you, Liz and Rolo!
~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Annual Report 2012
Volunteer Recognition Corner
7
Annual Report 2012
Vera House Programs &
2012 Service Statistics
New Directions: Rape Crisis &
Sexual Assault Services
24-Hour Crisis & Support Line
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
by calling:
(315) 468-3260
(315) 484-7263 - TTY Crisis Line for the Deaf
community during business hours
4,546 calls were answered in 2012
Emergency Shelter
Volunteer Program
Envisioning Change & Healthy
Short-term counseling, support groups,
and advocacy with legal, medical and social
systems for victims of domestic violence,
sexual assault and other crimes.
In collaboration with the Onondaga
County Probation Department, ECHO
targets Juvenile Delinquents and Persons
in Need of Supervision with the intent of
preventing placement in out-of-home
care through home-based family therapy.
1,571 individuals were served in 2012
43 teens served in 2012
Syracuse Area Domestic
& Sexual Violence Coalition
Alternatives & Steps Programs
497 male Alternatives participants in 2012
46 female Steps participants in 2012
35 Domestic Violence Impact Program
participants in 2012
358 women & men served in 2012
391 youth served in 2012
Prevention & Education Programs
School-based, community and professional
education and prevention programs are offered
on a variety of topics including: sexual abuse
prevention, domestic
violence awareness,
healthy relationships,
dating violence and elder
abuse.
Options for Families (ECHO)
398 women, children and men were
sheltered in 2012
Domestic violence education and
accountability programs designed to
challenge the beliefs and attitudes of
individuals who have been abusive to their
partners and/or ex-partners.
Specialized individual, family and group
counseling services to meet the unique
needs of youth affected by sexual abuse
and/or domestic violence.
Services include 24-hour crisis response;
individual, family and group counseling;
medical advocacy; and information &
referral for victims of sexual assault.
Outreach & Advocacy
Comprehensive emergency sheltering
services for individuals and families in
crisis, at two confidential locations.
Youth Counseling Services
The Coalition brings together community
members and representatives from a broad
spectrum of organizations and professional
groups to develop and coordinate an integrated
community-wide response to domestic violence,
sexual assault and elder abuse while building a
culture of equality and non-violence.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Program (SANE)
Project EMERGE
A specially trained team of nurses
provides timely and compassionate care
with 24-hour response for victims of
sexual assault.
A collaboration of local service providers and law
enforcement focusing on providing accessible, trauma
informed services to survivors of domestic and/or
sexual violence with disabilities or who are Deaf.
220 responses in 2012
Vera House volunteers are recruited and trained for
many service opportunities, including: crisis calls,
sexual assault advocacy, shelter programs, non-direct
service, family court or special events.
International Victims Program
Over 90 active volunteers in 2012
19,127 people reached
in 2012
Abuse in Later Life Program
A collaboration with the Onondaga County
Sheriff’s Office, Onondaga County District
Attorney’s Office and Onondaga County Adult
Protective Services that focuses on enhancing the
community’s response to victime of elder abuse.
Pet Foster Care
Under the leadership of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society, a Vera
House Advocate offers support to survivors of domestic violence
or sexual assault who are immigrants, migrants or refugees.
31 participants in 2012
Vera House is committed to ensuring our programs and services are welcoming to everyone.
Annual Report 2012
8
9
Annual Report 2012
Volunteers in this program take companion animals
into their homes to enable abuse victims to seek
shelter and know that their pets will be well cared for.
Main Shelter
Bathroom Renovation!
Vera House receives such wonderful support from the community. We would like to
recognize some of our young donors who go above and beyond to help support the
mission of Vera House.
A special thank you goes out to
Sehej Bajwa who, for the second
year in a row, generously donated
her birthday gifts to the children
staying in our shelter program.
In 2012 Vera House’s main shelter resident bathrooms underwent a comprehensive remodeling. Our
bathroom facilities had not had a major renovation in nearly 30 years. With the help of many, we
transformed old, outdated dormitory style bathrooms into a more functional facility for the hundreds of
women, children and men we help each year. The changes made a world of difference to our residents who
are seeking safety and privacy in their time of crisis.
Students from Donlin Drive Elementary
School’s Student Leadership group purchased
and donated toiletry items for our residents.
We are grateful to
the NAACP Youth
Chapter for their
donation of winter
coats, which they
collected on behalf
of Vera House.
Several of our residents have commented on how appreciative they are to have private,
comfortable bathrooms to use during their stay at shelter.
Before
We’d like to express our sincere thanks
and gratitude to the following for their
contributions to make our renovation
project possible:
Hueber Breuer Construction Co.
King & King Architects
GE ELFUN Volunteers
For the third year in a row, Michael DiBiase
has requested that birthday party guests
bring school supplies for Vera House in lieu
of gifts. Michael
delivered a large
box full of all
the essential
supplies the kids
at Vera House
needed for backto-school.
Allyn Foundation
Mary Kay Foundation
After
Grainger Foundation
Howard Green Family Foundation
Nationwide Insurance Foundation
GE Foundation
Sposato Floor Covering Companies
Hundreds of generous community
members who contributed to the
project via our Summer Appeal
mailing
Photos show progress of our renovated shelter bathrooms. The
old dormitory style toilet stalls have been updated to individual,
private bathrooms.
Annual Report 2012
10
11
Annual Report 2012
Girl Scout Troop 126 in Manlius organized a service project
for Vera House’s Foster Pet Care Program. The girls visited our
offices and presented 70 hand-decorated memory photo book
albums and picture frames that will be given to families who
are using our Foster Pet Care Program.
Thank you
to the young
ladies from
Girl Scout
Troop 10190
for their
wonderful
donation of
pajamas and
toiletries.
Heartfelt Giving
Foundation . $10,000 - $24,999
Thank you
for your kind
and generous
support of
our work
here at Vera
House and
for keeping
those we
serve close at
heart.
Recognition
of donors who
made gifts of
$500 or more
for the 2012
fiscal year and
authorized
Vera House
to publicly
acknowledge
them. We
apologize
to anyone
inadvertently
omitted from
this list.
The Allyn Foundation
John & Carol Cirando
The Galloo Foundation
Thanks for all you do, Mike & Shelly Gambino
Grainger Foundation
The Howard L. Green Foundation
Hueber-Breuer Construction Co.
Lamar Outdoor Advertising
The Employees of Liberty Mutual Insurance
Mary Kay Ash Charitible Foundation
Nationwide Insurance Foundation
In memory of Mr. Joseph & Mrs. Anne Skultety, children
Joseph, Anne & Nada
Time Warner Cable
Verizon Wireless
Leadership . $5,000 - $9,999
To honor the work of Christine Allen
David & Michele Bellso
Bernie B. & Ona Cohn Bregman in memory of our parents
National Honor Society / C.W. Baker High School
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.
CNY Community Foundation - John A. Santelli Fund
Community Bank, N.A.
Cygnus Management Foundation, Inc.
Fastrac Markets, LLC
Gorman Foundation
Kinney Drugs Foundation
In loving memory of Jill A. Little
M&T Bank
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network / The Greater New
York Group
Cheryl & Jerry O’Dell
Raymour & Flanigan Furniture Company
The Dorothy and Marshall M. Reisman Foundation
In honor of Anne Ruffer & Mitchell Lebowitz
The John Ben Snow Foundation
Syracuse University
The TJX Foundation
Anonymous (1)
Visionary . $1,500 - $4,999
In memory of JoAnn L. Armani from her loving family
Janet & Don Barter
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Beach
Berkshire Bank (Beacon Federal)
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
C&S Companies
Carrols Restaurant Group
Central New York Community Foundation
In memory of Joseph J. Chiarizia, II
Cicero Swamp Angels Young At Heart Club
Costello, Cooney & Fearon, PLLC
Crouse Hospital Employees & Medical Staff
Crucible Industries, LLC
Donna Curtin, Grace Auto Body and Paint
Vera Society . $500 - $1,499
continued...
Empower Federal Credit Union
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Mary Foley Memorial Bike Run
Mark and Polly Fuller
GE Volunteers
Jud & Roz Gostin
Greater Syracuse Moving & Storage
Mary Grublauskas
For Strength, Courage & Healing - Linda Trumble Hook
The Horowitch Family
Herbert S. & Eleanore L. Howard Charitable Foundation
Immaculate Conception Parish, Fayetteville, NY
Impact Martial Arts & Fitness
In memory of those we’ve lost & in honor of those who have
endured
Sheldon & Mateele Kall
King & King Architects
Mackenzie Hughes LLP
Daniel and Kathleen Mezzalingua
Eric & Judy Mower
William M. and Kathleen M. Murphy
National Grid “Here with you. Here for you.”
In memory of Leslie London Neulander from her loving
husband Robert, Kids and Grandkids
The Neumann Family
Bob & Sally Neumann
Patricia J. Numann, MD
Alice Nykaza
Carolyn D. Palmer
Faye Panasci
Pathfinder Bank
Robert & Naomi Penney
The Employees at SEFCU
Sorella Society of Colgate University
SRC, Inc.
St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center
Chris & Arnie Steenstra
Thank you Vera House - Jan, Griffin and Paige
Upstate Medical University
Wegmans Food Markets
Linda Witherill
Marilyn & Tom Wolfe
Anonymous (17)
Vera Society . $500 - $1,499
AAA Western & Central NY
Kate Brust Adams & Steve Adams, Jack and Mason
AHEPA Syracuse Foundation, Inc.
Alpha Epsilon Phi - Iota Chapter
Alter Image Photography
Jane Amico
Anoplate Corporation
ARISE
The Armory Group at Morgan Stanley
At Home Independent Living
AXA Advisors LLC
AXA Equitable
Annual Report 2012
12
Estate of Fred Benedict
Patricia Bergsbaken
Bishop Grimes High School
Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC
Tilda Booker
Nigel and Linda Bowers
The Breakers Palm Beach
Randi K. Bregman and Ted Gottbrecht
Jim and Cathy Breuer
Scott and Tracy Buckingham
Patrice Bucktooth
Ann Marie Buerkle
Bull & Bear Pub
Elaina Burdick
Jim & Kathy Burns
Mr. Mark Burstein and Mr. Anthony Balbona
Byrne Dairy Inc.
Customers of Cameron’s News
Camillus Surgery Center
William Campbell
Mary Cardinal
The Jerome & Phyllis Charney Foundation
Ms. Joan M. Christy and Dr. Thomas Bersani
Carroll Clark
Jeffrey and Lisa Clark
Richard and Diane Clark
Cooper Crouse Hinds
Mary Karen Cronin
George and Lynette Cunningham
D’Arcangelo & Co. CPA’s
In Memory of Ruth Davis
Virginia Denton
Diana Jewelers
Linda Drogo
Jack Durant
Todd Engel
Drs. John Epling and Cynthia Morrow
Eric Mower and Associates
Erie Materials
Express Mart
First Niagara Bank
First Niagara Benefits Consulting
First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia
William J. Fitzpatrick, District Attorney
Onondaga County
Julie and Irwin Flack
Fleet Feet Sports
In memory of Stuart Forster
Linda and Parrish Gabor
Gillette Road Middle School Student Council
Paul and June Goggi
The Greene-Milstein Family Foundation
Raymond Hackbarth
Hancock Estabrook, LLP
Martha Hanson
Mary Hanus
Miesje and William Havens
Nancy & Bud Haylor
13
Annual Report 2012
Heid’s of Liverpool
Joseph and Mary Ellen Hennigan
Jenny Hicks
Hiscock & Barclay, LLP
Elizabeth Holtze
Joyce Homan
Lisa Honan
Lynn and David Horowitch
Giampaolo and Judith Huober
Immanuel United Methodist Church
J Jill
Dr. Fathi A. Jishi
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
JR Clancy
Bruce and Linda Kenan
The Key
KeyBank
Audie Klotz and Paul Fenwick
Sarah Korcz
Timothy and Suzanne Krueger
Philip & Deborah Kugler
Laci’s TAPAS Bar
Landscaped Interiors
Robert and Kathleen Lane
Dr. Karen Lawitts and Dr. Howard Wolhandler
Ann Littleboy
Liverpool Community Church
Lockheed Martin Federated Fund
Arthur Lux
Brian & Lynn MacGorman
Craig Marcinkowski
Andre Martineau
Drs. Robert and Barbara McClure
Leslie Rose and Michael McDonald
Ms. Lorraine McGee
Denise and Owen McGraw
Thomas McSweeney
Metro Mattress
Million Dollar Bracelet LLC
Mirbeau Inn & Spa
Mohawk Global Logistics
Ms. Katharine F. Mooney
Pierre and Joye Morrisseau
Michael Murphy
Thomas and Robin Murphy
Northeastern District Baptist Association
Notifier of NY, Inc.
Robert O’Brien
Oneida Nation Foundation
Onondaga County Retired Teachers Assoc.
David and Janice Panasci
In honor of Kathy, Jennifer, Christina and
Madison from PaPa
The Employees of PCI Paper Conversions, Inc.
In memory of Gretchen Pearson
Pinnacle Investments, Inc.
Tracy and Michael Porter
Pyramid Management Group, Inc.
Julie Reap for my children, Analiese &
Luciano
David Reynolds
Right Coast, Inc.
Rosemary Rochford
Steve and Nancy Rogers
Adelina Romano
Gene & Loretta Romano, Pacemaker Steel
of Utica, in honor of Margery & Alan
Burstein
Liz Ross
Joanie Rupprecht
Gwen and David Sacia
Michele Scardetta
Peter Schaffer
Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter &
Burstein, P.C.
Estate of Patricia Judge Sears
Rev. Thomas Servatius, St. Augustine’s
Church
Dr. Jeremy M. Shefner
Sisters of St. Joseph
Skaneateles Jewelry
John Skehan and Jill Ozinsky
Sharon and David Slater
Amanda and Greg Slisz
Denise Smith
Frank Smith
James and Vicki Smith
Estate of Patricia M. Smith
Dr. and Mrs. George A. Soufleris
Dr. Elinor Spring-Mills
St. James Roman Catholic Church
Statewide Aquastore, Inc.
J. William and Deborah Strott
Chacea and Donald Sundman
Charles and Cathymarie Sweeney
Syracuse Label & Surround Printing
Syracuse Woman Magazine
In memory of Robert Szlosek
Tessy Plastics Corp.
Toshiba Business Solutions
Lauren Townes
Barb and Greg Tresness
Brian and Theresa Underwood
Robert Ungerer
The UPS Foundation, Inc.
V-Day Syracuse
Visual Technologies Corp.
David & Mary Anne Wall
In memory of Anna M. Walsh
Barbara T. Walzer
Barbara Watkins
Theodore and Pia Weinheimer
Dr. Robert Weisenthal and Mrs. Jennifer
Paterson
Christopher and Melissa Whyland
Steven and Tracy Windhausen
Woronov Interiors
Anonymous (6)
2012 Support & Revenue
Statement of Activities
for year ending December 31, 2012
United Way
7%
Support & Revenue:
Government Fees & Grants
606,695
United Way
260,873
Fees
148,264
Total Support & Revenue
Other Revenue
3%
87,738
$3,563,482
Private Donations
17%
Government Fees & Grants
69%
$977,182
683,699
Prevention & Education
564,113
Alternatives & Steps
128,093
Counseling
773,396
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
190,235
2012 Expenses
Administrative
2%
Sexual Assault
Nurse Examiner
5%
Total Supporting Services
Total Expenses
Increase in Net Assets
Fundraising
3%
Education Director
Loren Cunningham, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 208 ▪ lcunningham@verahouse.org
$62,785
99,286
Counseling
22%
Emergency
Shelter
28%
$84,693
Alternatives
4%
Prevention
& Education
16%
Director of Communications & Special Events
Chris Benton ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 248 ▪ cbenton@verahouse.org
Shelter Services Coordinator
Karen Lucyszyn ▪ 315-468-3260 ▪ klucyszyn@verahouse.org
Men’s Outreach Program Coordinator
George Kilpatrick ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 228 ▪ gkilpatrick@verahouse.org
Project Coordinator - Abuse in Later Life Grant
Jenny Hicks, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 221 ▪ jhicks@verahouse.org
$162,071
$3,478,789
Development Director
Carol Charles ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 212 ▪ ccharles@verahouse.org
Volunteer Coordinators
Dotti Barraco-Hetnar, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 242 ▪ dbarracohetnar@verahouse.org
Karen Hargrave ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 249 ▪ khargrave@verahouse.org
$3,316,718
Supporting Services
Fundraising
Programs Administrator
Melissa A. Marrone, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 203 ▪ mmarrone@verahouse.org
Clinical Director
Ellen Ford, LCSW-R ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 206 ▪ eford@verahouse.org
Outreach & Advocacy
Administrative
(315) 484-7263 (TTY - business hours for the Deaf community)
Outreach & Advocacy Program Coordinator
Lauren Townes ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 207 ▪ ltownes@verahouse.org
Program Services
Total Program Expenses
(315) 468-3260
Program Services Coordinator
Colleen A. O’Brien, LMSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 243 ▪ cobrien@verahouse.org
Expenses:
Emergency Shelter
24-Hour Crisis & Support Lines:
Executive Director
Randi K. Bregman, LMSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 204 ▪ rbregman@verahouse.org
$2,459,912
Private Donations
Other Revenue
Fees
4%
Administrative & Outreach Offices
6181 Thompson Road, Suite 100
Syracuse, NY 13206
Phone: (315) 425-0818 ▪ Fax: (315) 425-8942 ▪ www.verahouse.org
Outreach &
Advocacy
20%
Alternatives & Steps Program Coordinator
Amber Vander Ploeg, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 229 ▪ avanderploeg@verahouse.org
Project EMERGE Director
Jennifer Shaw, MSW ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 227 ▪ jshaw@verahouse.org
Finance & Benefits Manager
Christine Goodman, CPA ▪ 315-425-0818 ext. 202 ▪ cgoodman@verahouse.org
Contact Vera House
Vera House, Inc. 2012 Financial Summary
VERA HOUSE, INC.
Visit our website for
information on Vera House
programs & services, upcoming
events, news & more!
www.verahouse.org
Vera House, Inc.
Administrative & Outreach Offices
6181 Thompson Road, Ste 100
Syracuse, NY 13206
While you’re online, sign-up for
our electronic newsletter:
Vera House Notes
www.facebook.com/verahouseinc
www.twitter.com/verahouseinc
www.youtube.com/verahouseinc
Vera House is committed to
ensuring our programs and
services are welcoming to
everyone.
Vera House is a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence
service agency providing shelter, advocacy, and counseling
services for women, children and men, education and
prevention programs and community coordination.
2012 Vera House Board of Directors
Jeremy Cali, President
Linda Gabor, Vice President
Francine Karam, Vice President
Kathleen McDermott, Treasurer
Deborah Kugler, Secretary
Steven J. Baratta
Aislinn Brackman
Carrie Conroy
Sean Foran
Mark Fuller
Michael Gambino
Melody Holmes
Patrick Jones
Michael Kerwin
Denise McGraw
Edward “Buster” Melvin II
Patricia Mills
Kevin Morrow
Megan Grant Ruddy
Richard “Chris” Simone
Carrie Smith
John Stepanian
MaryJo Timpano
Albert Turner
Jennifer Ploetz Williams
John A. Cirando – Agency Counsel
Dr. Ann Botash – Medical Advisor
Randi K. Bregman ▪ Vera House Executive Director
U.S. Postage
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
Permit #1146