The Retreat Awarded Two Grants Funded By Violence Against Women Act

“The funds dispersed from the Violence Against Women Act are vital to the continuation and improvement of services for domestic violence victims throughout the country,” said Karen Lombri, Director of Non-Residential Services at The Retreat. “We are very grateful to have been chosen in two categories in this highly competitive grants process and look forward to increasing awareness of the availability of domestic violence services across all populations.”

East Hampton based not-for-profit domestic violence services agency, The Retreat recently announced that they will receive two grants in 2015. Both are administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) through the federally funded Violence Against Women Act in the categories of victims services and law enforcement. The organization is receiving a direct award from DCJS and is also the sub-recipient of an award made to Suffolk County Department of Probation.

“This funding will provide much-needed resources to assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in every corner of New York State,” noted Governor Andrew Cuomo. “These organizations are proven programs that are helping to create a better system of support and justice for victims, and I am pleased that their good work is being recognized by our federal partners.”

The funding will assist The Retreat in improving the delivery of victim services as well as lower attrition rates for East End victims, including those from the underserved Latina and Shinnecock Reservation communities. It will also allow The Retreat staff to work with the East End police departments to increase the knowledgeability of law enforcement officers on issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, ensuring the use of culturally and linguistically competent services. The grant will support counselors and legal advocates utilizing their culturally relevant services to the East End’s victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

For more information about The Retreat, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.