July 19, 1977  Vera House opens a 12-bed shelter, the first of our safe havens for abused women.
 

1987  Vera House establishes the Syracuse Area Domestic Violence Coalition to work toward changing the community standard in responding to domestic violence. Staffed and administered by Vera House, the Coalition brings together representatives from a broad spectrum of community organizations and professional groups to expand services and support system-level change.
 

1988  Vera House expands with the implementation of our Outreach & Advocacy Program.
 

1989  Vera House establishes Alternatives, a domestic violence education program for men who have been abusive in their relationships.
 

1990  Vera House opens a second emergency sheltering program targeted to the needs of the northwestern part of Onondaga County.
 

1996  Vera House, in a collaborative effort with the Salvation Army, implements the STARS (Safety, Trust, Awareness, Respect and Support) program for children who have witnessed domestic violence in their homes.
 

1999  Alternatives Youth Program begins offering groups to educate young people with abusive behaviors on strategies to end abuse and ways to create healthy relationships.
 

2000  Onward & Upward is launched. This program, designed for survivors of abuse, is a blend of self-care and self-discovery and personal & professional development.
 

2001  Building on the success of the STARS groups for children, the Children's Counseling Program is established to provide individual services to children affected by domestic violence. The program helps children understand that they are not at fault for the violence within their homes.
 

2001  Vera House's Foster Pet Program begins and enables women who need to escape a violent situation the peace of mind of knowing that their pet will be cared for while they are in shelter.