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Vera House Foundation Announces 2021 Trustees and Officers

Vera House Foundation Announces 2021 Trustees and Officers

The Vera House Foundation is pleased to announce its 2021 trustees and officers. The new trustees include Bishop Ronald B. Dewberry, New Life Temple of Praise; Timothy J. Giarrusso, Human Technologies; Alexandra Gorski, M&T Bank; Martin A. Hewitt, Fried Frank; Yvonne Scott-Younis, Mohawk Global; and Monique Wright-Williams, Syracuse City School District. 

The foundation was established in 1991 to ensure the long-term financial health of Vera House and is separately incorporated from Vera House, Inc. Foundation trustees work to ensure that Vera House's important work will be always available for those who need it.

"In this critical time for the organization, our community, and country, the thought of having the compassion and leadership of our new trustees is inspiring and deeply appreciated," said Vera House Co-Executive Director Angela Douglas. "They join an already committed group of individuals that will work to advance and resource our work for victims, survivors, and their families."

Russell Sturtz, Community Bank N.A., will serve as chair of the foundation. Elaina Wellstead, EB&L Marketing, will serve as vice chair. Barbara Karper, Le Moyne College and president of the Vera House Board of Directors, will serve as interim second vice chair. Jim King, King + King Architects, LLP, will serve as interim secretary.

"I am absolutely thrilled with the leadership of our 2021 foundation trustees and officers," said Vera House Co-Executive Director Randi Bregman. "They have a wealth of experience and a depth of commitment to our mission that will help us maintain and enhance our programs and services and fulfill our strategic goals.”

A Message to Andrew Cuomo

“The Friends of Andrew Cuomo” spent over $300,000 to launch an ad campaign designed to paint former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as a victim of political attacks because of the sexual harassment claims against him. We cannot allow this gaslighting to continue while the ad revictimizes victims of not only Cuomo’s sexual harassment but ANYONE who has ever experienced abuse. The tactics used by Cuomo and his supporters further represent the barriers that survivors face every day that prevent them from coming forward and getting support. 

 

We at Vera House have asked Andrew Cuomo to take accountability for the harm he has caused on multiple occasions. Instead of admitting to his wrongdoings, he continues to use power and control to suppress and invalidate the truths of the survivors.  Today we released a video, produced by Solon Quinn Studios and supported by Survivors’ Network, that sends a powerful message to survivors, "I believe you."  

 

We are asking you to help us amplify the video so that survivors throughout New York and the rest of the world know that we believe and stand with them. 

 

Here’s how to get involved:  

1. Share our post on Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter  

2. Engage with our content on Instagram and TikTok   

3. Share survivor support resources from your organization  

4. Tag @verahouseinc  

 

For any questions or to request an interview with a member of Survivors' Network, please contact us at: communications@verahouse.org