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Dear Fearless! Community,
April was an inspiring month for Fearless! Hudson Valley. Together, we stood in solidarity with survivors, raised awareness about sexual assault, honored crime victims, and celebrated the incredible champions who work tirelessly to reclaim safety and hope in our communities. From powerful awareness days to meaningful community events, we are grateful to everyone who joined us in making a difference. Here’s a look back at the impactful moments that made this April one to remember.
| | Sexual Assault Awareness Month | | |
Wear Teal
Our Fearless! team wore teal to kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 1st. Teal symbolizes support, solidarity, and unwavering commitment to survivors of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Chances are, someone in your life is a survivor, even if they have never shared their story.
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Start by Believing
On April 2nd, we participated in the Start by Believing campaign, emphasizing the importance of how we respond when someone shares their story of sexual assault. The first reaction can influence a survivor’s healing journey and their decision to seek help or report the crime. Our advocates made the commitment to believe and support survivors.
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Wear Denim
On April 30th, Fearless! staff wore denim to take a stand against sexual violence and dispel harmful myths. Denim Day began after a 1992 Italian court decision unjustly overturned a rape conviction, implying consent due to the victim’s tight jeans. Since then, wearing denim has become a global symbol of protest against victim-blaming.
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SUNY Sullivan: What Were You Wearing? Exhibition
Fearless! attended and tabled at SUNY Sullivan’s What Were You Wearing? Exhibition - a powerful, week-long display designed to dismantle the harmful myth that clothing invites sexual assault. The exhibit featured real survivor narratives alongside re-creations of the outfits they wore, showing that sexual violence is never about what someone wears.
Through conversations with students and staff, we heard how deeply the display resonated. Many shared that it offered a new perspective; that sexual assault can happen to anyone, at any time, while doing everyday things. We’re grateful to have been part of this impactful event and remain committed to challenging victim-blaming and supporting survivors.
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If you or someone you know needs support, information, or referrals related to sexual assault, please connect with:
Sullivan County:
Fearless! Hudson Valley, 24-Hour Hotline: 845-562-5340
Orange County:
Mental Health Association's Sexual Assault Prevention & Advocacy Program,
Crisis Call Center: 1-800-832-1200
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Celebration of Hope Brunch
Our 4th Annual Celebration of Hope Brunch on April 6th was a beautiful, inspiring day. We honored three outstanding individuals and one exceptional community organization that support survivors in their unique ways.
We are thrilled to share that we surpassed our fundraising goal and raised over $87,000 to continue reclaiming safety and hope across Orange and Sullivan Counties!
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Angela Accomando
Hope Award
Angela is a passionate advocate and survivor whose lived experience has fueled meaningful legislative change in New York. Her efforts helped pass a law that allows victims to report crimes without returning to the scene of their trauma. Angela has shared her story to educate NFL players, speaks to future legal professionals, and raises awareness around domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. She continues to use her voice to inspire change and support survivors.
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AKA Iota Alpha Omega Chapter
Mildred Warren Good-Neighbor Award
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Iota Alpha Omega Chapter has spent over 55 years improving lives across the Mid-Hudson Valley. With a strong commitment to preserving history, advancing education, and uplifting the community, they have been true champions for Fearless! organizing wishlist drives, raising funds, and always asking, “What can we do to help?” Their continued support has made a meaningful impact on our mission and the lives of those we serve.
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Juliana LoBiondo
Family Justice Center Award
Juliana has over three decades of experience in Divorce, Family Law, and Mediation. She has consistently dedicated her time and expertise to support survivors of domestic violence by providing pro bono legal services through her work with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. Her commitment is deeply personal; after handling a case in 2006, she learned that a former client had been murdered by their estranged husband. This heartbreaking experience continues to drive Juliana’s passion for advocacy and justice.
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Christine Fitzgerald
Jane Chertock Legacy Award
Christine has been a committed member of the Fearless! Board of Directors since 2001, bringing her nonprofit experience and passion for service to the organization. She began her tenure as Chair of the Fundraising Committee and has held various leadership roles, always supporting events and initiatives alongside her husband, Brian. Elected Vice Chair in 2014 and Board Chair in 2016, Christine continues to lead with dedication and heart. Her lifelong commitment to service is inspired by her parents, whose pride in her work continues to motivate her.
| | | Check out our Brunch website to learn more about this year’s honorees, view the digital journal, visit our Brunch sponsors, and view the event's photos. A heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, supporters, and everyone who attended. | | |
Photography: Adam DeVust Photography
Music: Tony DePaolo
Sponsors: R. Brewer Landscaping, Hudson Valley Credit Union, LoBiondo Law Offices, Serene Capital Management and Solutions, The Sanctuary at Pine Meadow Farm, Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, Broadway Accident & Injury Center, Garnet Health, Keller Williams Hudson Valley, Montgomery Hospitality Inc., Orange & Rockland, Ulster Savings Bank, Walden Savings Bank, and World Wide Travel of Cornwall
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Orange County Job Fair
Fearless! participated in the Orange County Career Center Job Fair, where our HR Director, Amanda, and Marketing Coordinator, Kristen, connected with job seekers exploring meaningful careers. This event offered a great opportunity to share more about the life-changing work we do and the open roles on our team.
If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, visit our Career Page to explore opportunities. Together, we can make a difference.
| | Thank you for your continued support in Reclaiming Our Safety. Together, we can create a future where love is safe, survivors are supported, and advocacy leads to lasting change. | | |
Hudson Valley Gives | May 21, 2025
Hudson Valley Gives is a 24-hour online giving event that unites hundreds of charities across 7 counties in one powerful movement: Give Where You Live!
Created by the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS), Hudson Valley Gives offers nonprofit organizations in Orange, Sullivan, Ulster, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, and Westchester Counties a platform to connect with online donors and raise essential funds for their missions.
This year marks Fearless!’s 10th year participating! Over the past nine years, we've raised $24,955 through 288 donations to support survivors, prevention education, legal advocacy, and more. Every gift makes a difference, and this year, we’re aiming for our best campaign yet!
Help us build momentum by becoming a peer fundraiser today!
Only donations made on May 21st are eligible to count toward prize opportunities through HV Gives
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Ladies Night Out | May 30, 2025
Join us for the 3rd Annual Ladies Night Out, a celebration for women, by women, to benefit Fearless! Hudson Valley. Curated by Deb Buonsignor of Wanderlust Boutique, this fun-filled evening offers a perfect mix of beauty, wellness, and retail therapy with over 20 women-owned vendors. Enjoy music and dancing with DJ Victor Vargas, shopping, a cash bar, dinner, and a fabulous tricky tray.
Tickets are $75 and include a full meal and 10 tricky tray tickets. A portion of all ticket and vendor sales will be donated to Fearless! to support our mission to end violence and empower survivors in the Hudson Valley.
Reserve Your Spot Today
When emailing the venue for tickets, be sure to include your name and phone number.
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24-Hour Hotline
845-562-5340
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