Safe Homes of O.C. Celebrates 30th Anniversary

NEW WINDSOR – Safe Homes of Orange County celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a Celebration of Hope Gala on Friday.

This year’s quote by a Hopi elder, “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for,” was this year’s mantra, according to Safe Homes Executive Director Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier. Throughout the organizations history, there have been so many times, in so many places, that someone or some group of individuals sat still and said, “if not us, then who?”

“That’s the power of change,” said Kostyal-Larrier. “When one person or a group of individuals realizes that there is no one else coming. That we’re the ones that we’ve been waiting for.”
Kostyal-Larrier, who has been at the helm of Safe Homes for the past seven years, reflected on the amazing growth and transformation the organization has undergone. “As an agency, we have expanded our reach and ensured that victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation have had access to services and providers have had training and resources.”

Throughout its history, Safe Homes has weathered economic swings, the unacceptable murder of 23 women in Orange County, and one woman is still missing.

“This event is called the Celebration of Hope for a reason,” commented Christine Fitzgerald, Safe Homes Board of Directors Chair. “Though the issues we face are dire, deep-rooted and widespread, our focus is to be a beacon of hope for all who need it. We strive to instill that same hope in others by providing advocacy, opportunities for independence, and, ultimately, a chance for a new life.”

The hope that Fitzgerald spoke of was present in each of the three honorees and one organization being honored at the gala. Lavon Morris-Grant, a victim and survivor of domestic violence, who is now an international speaker on the subject, received this year’s Hope Award. The Mildred Warren Good-Neighbor Award was presented to Dr. Michele Winchester-Vega for her altruistic giving to many organizations over the years. The Family Justice Center Award was presented to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley in recognition of providing free, high-quality legal counsel to those who cannot afford an attorney. The Jane Chertock Legacy Award was presented to Dr. Marie Cantu, who was an active member of the Board of Directors of Safe Homes for over 17 years and remains dedicated to the fight against domestic violence.

Kostyal-Larrier would further offer future-proof advice, keeping true to her mantra.
“There will come a time that we will question the system, providers, ourselves, and the universe as to why victims are being victimized and/or silenced. We will wonder who will fix the new issue; the old issue? It will be this very moment I will remind us all that we will. ‘We are the ones we have been waiting for.’”