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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.
 
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The legacy of Sister Mary Vera . . .
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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.
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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.
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Nominations are currently being accepted for the
2008 Sister Mary Vera Award
to be presented at our June 10th luncheon.
Nominations must be received
by March 28th
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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