Senate Resolution No. 3794

BY: Senator DEFRANCISCO

COMMENDING Vera House upon the occasion of its
24th Annual White Ribbon Campaign

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those significant institutions within our midst that
continue to serve an integral role in helping to protect members of the
community and to educate the public on issues of importance; and

WHEREAS, Primary among such institutions are those individuals who,
year after year, diligently seek to empower those in need, promote a
culture of equality and respect, and assist individuals and families in
crisis; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Vera House upon the occasion of its 24th Annual White Ribbon
Campaign, during which thousands of Central New Yorkers will wear a
white ribbon, wristband or white pin to help raise awareness about
domestic and sexual violence from March 1-31, 2018; and

WHEREAS, In 1977, Vera House was founded in Syracuse by a group of
concerned residents, led by Sister Mary Vera, who recognized the dire
need for emergency sheltering services for women in crisis; and

WHEREAS, The original mission of Vera House expanded to a wide range
of domestic violence services including: outreach and advocacy, domestic
violence education programming, children's counseling, the Syracuse Area
Domestic and Sexual Violence Coalition, and a domestic violence
education program for male perpetrators; and

WHEREAS, Today, the continuous mission of Vera House is to help end
and prevent all domestic and sexual violence, to assist individuals and
families in crisis, and to promote a culture of equality and respect
through various outreach programs and services, such as the annual White
Ribbon Campaign; and

WHEREAS, The White Ribbon Campaign is led by men and encourages all
members of the community - men and women, young and old -- to take an
active role in preventing domestic and sexual violence by joining their
awareness efforts; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the month of March 2018, thousands of Central
New Yorkers will be involved with the White Ribbon Campaign by wearing a
white ribbon or white wristband to raise awareness about domestic and
sexual violence, while making an important statement that they will not
commit, condone or remain silent about such violence; and

WHEREAS, Vera House will also hold several community events during
the White Ribbon Campaign, including the White Ribbon Campaign Breakfast
at the Marriot Syracuse Downtown on March 2nd, the White Ribbon Campaign
Kick-Off Walk in Syracuse, the White Ribbon Campaign at the Dome, and
the White Ribbon Campaign Education Challenge to help promote awareness

and prevention, and No More Sorrow, No More Silence: The Voice of a
Survivor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Vera House upon the occasion of its 24th Annual White Ribbon
Campaign, and to support the ongoing efforts within our community to
eliminate domestic and sexual violence in Central New York and beyond;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Randi Bregman, Executive Director, Vera House.