Assemblywoman Russell secured $20,000 in funding that was used to pay for a sewer line replacement and address roof drainage issues that were impacting the structure's foundation.
"This funding allowed them to address critical maintenance needs at their office instead of diverting much needed funding from programming to make these repairs," Assemblywoman Russell said.
Renewal House Executive Director Ilene Burke that financial assistance was extremely beneficial as the agency continues to expand its services.
"The money secured for us by Assemblywoman Russell allowed us to make the much needed infrastructure improvements on our building and focus the monies we have in our budget to the delivery of services to victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in St. Lawrence County," she said.
The Renewal House director told Assemblywoman Russell her agency is expanding its campus advocate program to provide services and training to students, staff and faculty at the four colleges in the county. The program is aimed at addressing sexual assaults, dating violence and stalking issues.
Assemblywoman Russell said she has great respect for the work done by the Renewal House staff.
"They provide such an important service to our community by helping people who have suffered from abuse, victims that often times have been isolated from their support systems for years," she said.
"It truly is an amazing program. They know how to handle very difficult situations without pressuring victims as well as in the safest way possible," according to Assemblywoman Russell.
She also suggested the expanded campus advocate program will provide a valuable service to the colleges in St. Lawrence County.
"I'm pleased to see they are taking on that additional programming that serves our college communities by tackling the issue of sexual violence on our campuses. But they will also not just be there to react to problems. They will work just as hard to educate and prevent issues from arising," Assemblywoman Russell said.
Renewal House provides a variety of services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in St. Lawrence County.
The agency served 645 individuals with domestic violence complaints and 195 individuals under the agency's sexual assault caseload in 2015.
Those 840 individuals included 606 adult females, 48 adult males and 186 children and youth.
Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, individual counseling and emotional support, support groups, children's programs, safe housing, advocacy and community education and outreach.
For more information about Renewal House, call 379-9878 during business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at 379-9845.
IN THE PHOTOS:
TOP PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell recently visited with Renewal House staff at their Canton office and had an opportunity to see building improvements that had made with funding she secured for the agency. Pictured are (l-r): Program Director Sharie Fawcett, staff member Kaylean Contento, Executive Director Ilene Burke, staff member Valarie Dana, Assemblywoman Russell, staff member Megan LaSala and staff member Stephanie Hall.
BOTTOM PHOTO:
Renewal House Executive Director Ilene Burke discusses the expansion of the agency's campus advocate program with Assemblywoman Addie Jenne Russell.
