Navigating COVID-19 Together

As the current Coronavirus & COVID-19 public health crisis continues to evolve, the Advocacy Center is all too aware of the impact it is having on our community, survivors, and some of our most vulnerable populations. We will be utilizing this page to communicate updates to agency services, relevant information for survivors, and needs for the agency and/or those we serve. For any questions or immediate assistance, please contact our 24 hour hotline (607-277-5000) to speak with an advocate. 

Local Resources:

• 211 Tompkins Cortland (food, childcare, medical access, and housing)

Survivor Resources:

• Safety Planning During Crisis: a new section of our website with various tips for safety planning and links to resources.

Agency Needs:

• We anticipate losing at least $40,000 this spring due to the pandemic.  A gift of any amount will help us continue to meet community needs.

• Check out our wish list on Amazon for items needed at the shelter or the child interview room.

Message From Our Executive Director (3/27/20)

Dear Community Members,

As the current COVID-19 public health crisis continues to evolve, the Advocacy Center is all too aware of the impact it will have on survivors, our community, and our most vulnerable populations. With this in mind, we will continue to communicate updates to agency services, important information for survivors, and needs for the agency and those we serve.

We recognize that many people in our community have increased need for assistance with resources such as food, childcare, medical access, or housing. We encourage people to contact Tompkins/Cortland 211 for the most updated information about available community resources.

Most of our staff are working remotely and continuing our core services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.  We know that the current crisis can increase isolation, many victims are cut off from support, and they may be sheltering in place with people who are not safe for them or their children. Survivors who have safe housing may feel triggered by the isolation and anxiety. Our 24 hour hotline remains open (607-277-5000) for emotional support, help with practical needs, and crisis intervention.  Our confidential Domestic Violence Shelter remains open and staffed by a limited number of advocates.

Our staff has risen to this challenge to do everything we can to make sure that survivors in our community have options, support and hope during this pandemic.  We will need the support of our community as we move through this crisis. To support our work you can:

Make a Gift. We anticipate losing at least $40,000 this spring due to the pandemic.  A gift of any amount will help us continue to meet community needs.

Donate Items That Support our Work. Check out our wish list on Amazon for items needed at the shelter or the child interview room.

Help Us Educate Our Community. In the next week, we’ll be creating a new section on our website with important information for survivors–like the safety planning information below. Follow us on social media, share our posts, and help us make sure survivors and the people who care about them see this info.

Sincerely,

Heather Campbell, Executive Director, & the Advocacy Center Staff