|
|
 |
|
|
Senator Bruno met with Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino and associates of Unity House to present $30,000 that will help the organization continue their Child Protective Services Liaison program. |
Monday, January 24, 2005
Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno and Unity House today announced $30,000 secured in the 2004-2005 state budget to continue their Child Protective Services Liaison program. While most funding for domestic violence provides services for the victims, this program focuses on the children of the victims.
"We are enthusiastic about this grant and grateful to Senator Bruno for his support of Unity House year after year," said Christopher Burke, Chief Executive Officer of the Unity House. "Our job in the community is to enhance the lives of those who have been victimized by domestic violence, including the children who have been involved. The Child Protective Services Liaison focuses on helping the children get the proper care, schooling, and counseling to start them on a brighter path toward their future. With Senator Bruno�s dedication to the people of Rensselaer County, he has once again helped us to better our community one person at a time."
"Unity House works diligently to aid individuals in gaining self-respect, education, and the skills they need to make them stronger, happier people," said Senator Bruno. "These funds will enable Unity House to continue their services to offer further support and guidance to the children who have been effected by this devastating issue. Unity House has made an outstanding commitment to Rensselaer County and its surrounding areas to give new hope to these families, and I am proud to be able to help their efforts."
The domestic violence hotline at Unity House receives over 8,000 calls each year and fills the shelter to its maximum capacity nearly year-round. The funds will enable Unity House to work with the Child Protective Services (CPS) Liaison to provide the children of domestic violence victims with the right counseling, recreational outlets, help in school and support to the children living in domestic violence shelters. The liaison also provides ongoing case consultation, support for CPS workers on home visits and training for child welfare staff that focuses on integrating domestic violence screening, referral, resources and safety planning into their service delivery plans and practice. This program improves casework practice and outcomes for families experiencing both child abuse and domestic violence.
In addition to domestic violence services, Unity House strives to enhance the quality of life for people living in poverty, adults with mental illness, children with developmental delays and people living with HIV/AIDS. For more information, you can visit the web site at: www.unityhouseny.org.
[BIOGRAPHY] [DISTRICT MAP] [PHOTO GALLERY] [LEGISLATION] [CONSTITUENT SERVICES] [YOUR OPINION COUNTS] [GUESTBOOK] [PRIVACY POLICY] [SENATE INSIDER] [CONTACT INFO] [HOME/NEWS]