​IIn response to the COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) pandemic and the Governor’s related Domestic Violence Task Force recommendations, on June 18, 2020 Governor Cuomo signed Executive Order 202.43 (EO), which temporarily suspends and modifies the laws under which OVS operates. This EO has been further extended.

This EO provides expanded access to OVS victim compensation in instances where victims of domestic violence-related crimes are unable to report their crimes to law enforcement due to current COVID-19-related restrictions but can access a certified residential program for victims of domestic violence. OVS, with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) issued a joint letter explaining the EO. The OCFS list of certified residential programs for victims of domestic violence can found here.

This EO is effective through April 16, 2021 but it may be continued by further action by the Governor. Please review and feel free to share with your own networks.

On behalf of the New York State Office of Victim Services, thank you for your commitment to providing the highest quality services to innocent victims of crime in New York State.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead," 1 Peter 1:3.
One local shelter asked if we had volunteers to supply gift bags for residents, and by God's grace we were able to fill  bags with personal care items for women and gift bags for the children that were in the shelter at this time.

While we thank God for sending His son, Jesus, and for caring for us while we were yet sinners, we are thrilled to show this tangible evidence of God's never-ending love. We pray that you and your family have a blessed Easter-tide.

Maggie, Gretchen, Fr. Scott, Deacon Dawn, Janet, Gary, Mother Anne, and all our many volunteers.
Happy Easter
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