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Mission & History


  It is the mission of Vera House
        to end all domestic and sexual violence
        to assist families in crisis
        to support those affected by domestic and sexual violence
        to live safe, self-sufficient lives
        to empower women and children
        & to promote a culture of equality and respect in relationships.
       

On January 1, 2005
two agencies with similar missions,
Rape Crisis Center & Vera House became one
merging their programs and staff in order to provide
the same quality services . . .
"together for hope and healing".

The merged Vera House, Inc. continues a 30-year tradition
of quality service to the Central New York community.
The mission statement reflects the history of both merged agencies.
 

Rape Crisis Center was founded in 1974
by committed volunteers who saw the need for crisis, support
and advocacy services for adult rape survivors.
This mission grew over the years to include services for
child victims of sexual assault and their families,
preventive education programming and a team of nurses
who provide 24-hour response for victims of sexual assault.

Vera House was founded in 1977
by a group of concerned individuals led by Sister Mary Vera, CSJ who recognized the need for emergency sheltering services for women in crisis.
This original mission blossomed into a wide range of
domestic violence services including outreach and advocacy,
domestic violence education programming, children's counseling,
the Syracuse Area Domestic and
Sexual Violence Coalition
and a domestic violence education program
for male perpetrators of violence.



 
The legacy of Sister Mary Vera . . .
 


In honor of
her extraordinary example of compassion & generosity

the agency which bears her name
annually presents the
Sister Mary Vera
Recognition Award

to a member of the community
who has made a significant contribution
to those affected by
domestic or sexual violence.

 
The individual recognized with this award at the
Vera House Annual Recognition
& Celebration Luncheon

has performed this service in a manner consistent with the
humility, gentleness & humanitarian spirit
reflected by Sister Mary Vera.
 

 
Nominations are currently being accepted for the
2008 Sister Mary Vera Award
to be presented at our June 10th luncheon.
click here to learn more

Nominations must be received by March 28th
2008 Sister Mary Vera Award nomination form

Past recipients of the Sister Mary Vera Recognition Award include . . .

2007 Rami Badawy
2006
Cathy Brochu
2005
John A. Cirando, Esq.
2004
John Epling, M.D.
2003
Valerie Brogan & Sr. Maureen D'Onofrio
2002
John Balloni
2001
Nancy Gaffney
2000
Rick Trunfio
1999
Connie Reger
1998
Detective Gwendolyn Dowdell
1997
Therese Wiley Dancks
1996
Virginia Flavin
1995
Joanne & The Reverend Douglas Eddy

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Vera House, Inc.
6181 Thompson Road  .  Suite 100  .  Syracuse, NY 13206
315-425-0818  .  Administrative Offices
24-hour Crisis & Support Lines:
315-468-3260 Domestic Violence  .  315-422-7273 Rape & Sexual Assault

TTY 315-484-7263 (business hours)
 

© 2008 Vera House, Inc.
All rights reserved.