New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) today announced The Retreat, Inc. and Brighter Tomorrow’s, Inc. each received a grant of $75,250 from New York State Office of Children and Family Services via the Federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, which supports the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs to prevent domestic violence. These organizations were 2 of 56 prevention programs that received a portion of the $4.3 million awarded throughout the State.

The New York State Office of Children and Family Services used a competitive Request for Proposals to allocate the funds, which are awarded on an annual basis from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Applying for this funding helps the state better align with emerging needs and the national emphasis on reaching underserved populations and creating effective new evidence-based responses to domestic violence.

Awardees had to demonstrate in their proposals that the funds will support preventing incidents of family violence, as well as provide immediate shelter, support services, and access to community-based programs for victims of domestic violence and their children. They also had to offer specialized services for children, underserved populations, and minorities that are exposed to domestic violence.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are a victim in crisis seeking assistance or for information about resources in your community, call the New York State Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906.

The Office of Children and Family Services serves New York by promoting the safety, permanency, and well-being of children, families, and communities, and coordinates the licensing process for 163 residential domestic violence programs across the state. For more information, visit www.ocfs.ny.gov