Violence Against Women with Disabilities Funding Awarded to My Sisters’ Place
My Sisters’ Place in White Plains has been awarded $425,000 in federal funding through the Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program to provide services for women with disabilities who are victims of violence and abuse. The funding was enabled by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Harrison), who serves District 17, and will be used to expand services to deaf survivors of domestic violence.
“At a time when countless women are bravely coming forward to share their stories of abuse, it is essential that we provide the resources necessary for local communities to assist survivors and ensure their well-being,” said Lowey in announcing the grant.
My Sisters’ Place will implement this federal grant in partnership with New York School for the Deaf and New York-Presbyterian Westchester Division’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. The planning and development phase of the project, during which collaborative teams will assess needs and develop a strategic plan, is expected to be completed by Dec. 30, 2019. The implementation phase, during which needs-based initiatives will be implemented, is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2021.
“We are thrilled to have an opportunity to expand our services and education to Deaf survivors of domestic violence and their families,” said Karen Cheeks-Lomax, CEO, My Sisters’ Place. “This marks a new era for My Sisters’ Place, the Deaf community in New York, and our community partners, the New York School for the Deaf and New York-Presbyterian Westchester Division’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program. This funding will support the development of fully-accessible services, and comprehensive education, training, and outreach.”
The Training and Services to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and seeks to establish and strengthen collaborative relationships and increase organizational capacity to provide accessible, safe, and effective services to individuals with disabilities and deaf individuals who are victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.
