The exterior of the Vera House headquarters.

Vera House

Vera House was founded to provide emergency sheltering services for people in crisis. This initial mission, established in 1977, has blossomed into a wide range of domestic and sexual violence services including outreach and advocacy.

Charlotte is a survivor of domestic and sexual violence. When she found herself in a dangerous situation with nowhere to turn, she drummed up the courage to call Vera House. Upon arrival at the shelter, she experienced warmth, compassion and comfort—feelings she hadn’t felt in years.

“The night I was picked up by a Vera House staff member was terrifying but she spoke with me on the way, which made me feel so welcomed and comfortable,” said Charlotte. “At that moment I knew this was meant to be and for the first time in my life things were going to be good for me.”

Vera House was founded to provide emergency sheltering services for people in crisis. This initial mission, established in 1977, has blossomed into a wide range of domestic and sexual violence services including outreach and advocacy, prevention education programming, children’s counseling and additional resources to aid others like Charlotte.

When the organization noticed an increase in visitors to its offices, the need for a larger site became apparent. In the fall of 2016, Vera House staff members embarked on a quest to move from their previous location on Thompson Road to a more centrally located facility near downtown Syracuse. After purchasing the historic James Street building, full renovations took place and they moved in at the beginning of the summer of 2017.

With the help of a grant from the Community Foundation, Vera House was able to add offices on its first floor to house therapy programs, two wheelchair lifts, gender neutral bathrooms and workspaces for advocates and its education team. The grant also supported an overall facelift consisting of new carpet, furniture and painting supplies.

“One of our goals when we found this space was to make it more welcoming and accessible for the people we serve, and we’ve done that,” explained Cindy Britz, development director at Vera House. “The support from the Community Foundation made this project happen and without it we would have been delayed in making the move.”

Accessibility was key for Vera House when undergoing plans for a renovation. With newly installed wheel chair lifts, people of all abilities can park in the front of the building and access the facility with ease.

“It’s really important to be as accessible as possible” Britz added, “not only for the survivors that we serve, but also for our community partners, volunteers and staff.”

A year later, Vera House also received a Community Foundation grant to purchase a generator for its new location. The organization offers a 24-hour crisis hotline that must remain active even in the case of a blackout.

“If we lose power, we can’t serve people who call, and it can sometimes be a life or death situation.” Britz said. “We’re grateful that the grant supported the purchase for something so imperative to fulfill our mission.”

Like many other women and visitors of Vera House, Charlotte is a survivor. She is now a staff member and a part of the Vera House family. She goes to work with a smile on her face knowing she is helping other people like herself. Charlotte and her daughter finally live a life free of fear and violence. Her story is one of triumph over tragedy, thanks to the team at Vera House.

With the continued support of Vera House, more survivors like Charlotte will be able to find safety, support, and access to the help they need.

“I am now part of the shelter family and the mission of Vera House,” said Charlotte.” I work with such positive people who help me to view life in a positive way.”

Read the rest of Charlotte’s story here.

Related Stories

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

Blogs March 11, 2023

Reflections: Asking the Important Questions

Danielle Johnson explains how we are working to distribute our discretionary grant dollars equitably.

hand holding growing money
Stories March 7, 2023

SECURE 2.0 Introduces Legacy IRA and a Boost for QCDs

Hear from Jan Lane, CAP®, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, about the three key provisions affecting philanthropists ...

Students sitting around a table using laptops
Stories March 2, 2023

Junior Achievement Supports Students with Virtual Learning Program

Finding a career can feel like a heavy weight on youths’ shoulders and support may ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Blogs February 18, 2023

Reflections: Learning and Working From DEI Principles

Ahmeed Turner explains how and why we prioritize with our staff the importance of learning ...

Blogs January 31, 2023

Reflections: Remaking the Mold

Guest writer Angela Outlaw-Matheny from Crewcial Partners explains how her personal experiences influenced her work ...

Two girls talking
News Releases January 30, 2023

More than $1 Million Distributed to Local Nonprofits

The Central New York Community Foundation recently distributed $974,280 in Community Grants and $159,000 in ...

Blogs December 7, 2022

Reflections: Bringing Residents to the Table

Qiana Williams, program officer, shows us how participatory budgeting is helping residents form solutions to ...

hand holding growing money
Publications December 6, 2022

Charitable Giving Using the New York Statutory Power of Attorney By Bill Davies

William Davies, Attorney at Davies Law Firm, P.C., explores how the New York Statutory Power ...

View More