Jonathan Jacobson Announces $30k for Fearless!

NEWBURGH – New York State Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) announced a $30,000 Assembly grant for domestic violence prevention programming at Fearless! Hudson Valley. Jacobson made the announcement in front of his Newburgh district office alongside Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, Executive Director of Fearless! Hudson Valley on Friday.

Jacobson said, “Domestic violence is a long-standing problem, but—as with too many other issues—it’s a problem that has become worse during the COVID pandemic. As residents stayed home to avoid infection, incidents of domestic violence increased, and many victims were trapped with their abusers and unable to seek help.

“That is why I am grateful to organizations like Fearless! Hudson Valley. Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier and her team moved swiftly to adapt to our new pandemic reality and protect vulnerable members of our community,” Jacobson continued.

“In 2020 alone, Fearless! handled more than 10,000 hotline calls and served more than 5,300 adults and children. Fearless! also provided 4,201 nights of safety.

“Fearless! is also working hard to educate the public to stop incidents of domestic violence before they begin. In addition to funding their regular domestic violence programming, this money will help the organization’s Education and Prevention initiative. This program works to ensure those in our schools, businesses, and communities learn to recognize red flags, how to find support and services for victims, and what bystanders can do to protect those trapped in unhealthy relationships.

“Every incident of domestic violence is a preventable tragedy, so I am proud to be able to support Fearless! in their important work,” Jacobson concluded.

Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier said, “Fearless Hudson Valley is grateful to Assemblyman Jacobson for his support and advocacy on behalf of all victims and survivors. Ensuring there is adequate funding for direct services and prevention and education is critical if we want to work towards a world free of violence and abuse. We have to prevent it from happening in the first place, and the first step is education.”