Safe Homes of Orange County held their annual fundraising gala on Friday, October 25, at Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor, NY. 350 friends and supporters raised $81,000 for the agency’s comprehensive services and public education programs. During this year they embarked on a strategic repositioning. Their consultants, the Abelson Co., held focus groups consisting of survivors, supporters, staff, leadership, founding members, funders, and more!
Safe Homes of Orange County is now Fearless! Our new name reflects our growth as an agency that started as a hotline and shelter. We were determined to play our part in confronting inequality and shaping a just community, while helping victims and survivors of intersecting forms of violence and abuse heal.
“The evening was surreal. Every honoree selected this year embodied who we have been as an organization and where we are going. These fierce, fearless women stepped in, spoke up, took risks, even when vulnerable, and used their voices when others were silenced,” said Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Fearless! This year, awards were presented to the following honorees:
Family Justice Center Award - Kristen Gibbons Feden, Associate at Stradley Ronon and former ADA at Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, where she served as Captain in the Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Unit, as well as the assigned prosecutor within the Sex Crimes Unit. Kristen is recognized nationally for her role in Commonwealth v. William H. Cosby. Hope Award - Blaise Gomez, Emmy-nominated general assignment reporter for News 12 Hudson Valley, used her public platform to raise awareness about domestic violence, and candidly shared her story with her community letting survivors know they were not alone.
Mildred Warren Good-Neighbor Award - Ashley Lenahan, Caitlin Tabala, and Nicole Pena, owners of Indigo Beauty Lounge, opened their business in October 2018 and immediately chose Safe Homes as their philanthropic cause.
Jane Chertock Legacy Award - Ada Lara, graduate of Goshen High School, whose mother, also Ada Lara, was murdered at the hands of her father, has grown into a fierce advocate for children who witness domestic violence. She held a toy drive while a student at Goshen High School to ensure children impacted by violence continue to celebrate birthdays and holidays while staying at a shelter. Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. offers confidential and comprehensive support services, including shelter, to victims and survivors of domestic violence, teen dating violence, and human trafficking, and works to increase public awareness through education and prevention programs. For help, call the Fearless! 24-HOUR HOTLINE at 845-562-5340. For general information, go to fearlesshv.org or call our Business Office at 845-562-5365.