Dear Fearless! Community,

May was a month full of important moments for Fearless! Hudson Valley. Together, we raised awareness for mental health, connected with job seekers at the Orange County Spring Job Fair, and surpassed our fundraising goal during Hudson Valley Gives. Thank you to everyone who joined us in moving our mission forward. Here’s a look back at the highlights from May and a look ahead to what’s next.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May was Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being. At Fearless!, this month holds deep significance because mental health is a critical part of the healing journey for survivors of abuse and violence.

Trauma can have lasting psychological effects, and many of the individuals we serve are navigating the complex intersections of abuse, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. By promoting mental health awareness, we aim to ensure that survivors feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek the help they deserve.



Mental health is not separate from safety, it’s essential to it. That’s why our approach is trauma-informed and survivor-centered, ensuring that emotional and psychological healing are part of every step forward. During May, and every month, we remain committed to fostering environments where healing is possible and support is always within reach.

Hudson Valley Gives

We’re thrilled to share that during this year’s Hudson Valley Gives, we not only reached our fundraising goal - we surpassed it, raising over $8,000 in just 24 hours!

This online day of giving brought together supporters from across the region to uplift the work of local nonprofits. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we’re able to continue providing free and confidential services, including emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and prevention education for survivors and their families.

Every dollar raised helps us take another step toward Reclaiming Our Safety, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Whether you donated, shared our campaign, or encouraged others to give, thank you for standing with us and showing survivors that they are not alone.



We also want to extend a special thank-you to our matching sponsor, Ethan Allen Workforce Solutions, for helping amplify our impact during the campaign.

Your support makes our mission possible, 365 days a year.

Orange County Job Fair

On May 21st, Fearless! participated in the Orange County Spring Job Fair at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Our HR Director, Amanda, and Administrative Support Aide, Alexa, connected with job seekers interested in pursuing meaningful, purpose-driven careers.

This event offered a great opportunity to share more about the life-changing work we do and the open roles on our team. From direct services to administrative support, every position at Fearless! plays a part in building safer, healthier communities.

If you’re looking for a career that makes a difference, visit our Career Page to explore opportunities. Together, we can make a difference.

Staff T-Shirt Design Contest

We hosted a staff t-shirt design contest, inviting team members to showcase their creativity and design ideas. The theme? Pride and inclusivity. After receiving several thoughtful and vibrant submissions, Fearless! staff voted to select the winning design, created by Lead Hotline Advocate, Aaron!

Aaron’s design is now featured on our online shop for the month of June. We’re proud to highlight the creativity within our team while celebrating love, identity, and allyship.

Walden Savings Bank

We are proud to spotlight Walden Savings Bank, one of our 2025 Corporate Sponsors, for their exceptional and ongoing partnership with Fearless!. Their dedication to our mission has been evident through years of consistent support, both financially and through meaningful community engagement.

Walden Savings Bank has generously sponsored and attended many of our events, especially our annual We Can Be Heroes 5K, helping to raise awareness and critical funds in support of survivors. In 2023, they also sponsored the Motorcycle Show in Walden, a community fundraiser, extending their support to new and unique outreach events.

In the workplace, WSB has gone above and beyond by choosing Fearless! as a beneficiary for multiple Dress-Down Day fundraisers, as well as their 22 Days of Giving campaign, turning employee giving into lasting impact. They have also contributed to our School Supplies Drive, helping children impacted by abuse start their school year with the tools and confidence they need.

We are incredibly grateful to Walden Savings Bank for standing with us and the communities we serve. Their continued partnership reflects what it truly means to be a community bank, one that invests in safety, healing, and hope.

Thank you for standing with Fearless! as we navigate the challenges and victories that come with supporting survivors and building stronger communities. Your ongoing involvement, whether through donations, advocacy, or spreading awareness, makes a real difference. Stay connected with us in the coming months for more ways to get involved and help us ensure that safety, support, and healing remain accessible to all who need it. Together, we can create lasting change.

Take Action: June 5th Advocacy Day

On Wednesday, June 5th, Fearless! is joining advocates from across the country for a Day of Action to call on legislators to protect essential services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Right now, lifesaving services are on the chopping block. Due to delayed and eliminated federal funding, programs that protect and support survivors are in crisis.

What’s at Risk:

• Rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters may close
• CDC’s only domestic violence prevention program (DELTA) may be eliminated
• Rape Prevention & Education (RPE) faces deep funding cuts
• VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) funds are delayed, leaving programs in limbo
• Proposed plans could merge or weaken the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)

These funds are not optional, they are the foundation of the support we provide every day. If we lose them, survivors lose access to housing, legal help, emotional support, and safety planning.



Now is the time to act. Whether it’s your first time speaking out or you’ve done it before, your voice can help make sure survivors are not forgotten.

Take Action Now!

Together, we can protect these critical services and stand up for survivors across New York and beyond.

Summer Youth Leadership Acadamy

This free week-long program aims to inspire and empower students in grades 9-12 to learn and speak up about racism, bullying, gender oppression, the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and building solutions for change. This program will meet in person, where students will engage with Fearless! educators and their peers through deep conversations, team building, and hands-on activities.

Participants who complete our free week-long program will receive the following:

• 30 hours of community service
• A letter of recommendation for college and/or employment
• A $50 stipend
• Provided Lunch and Snacks

Apply Online Today!

Submissions Due: Friday, June 27, 2025