Fearless! Bulletin | August 2026 | | |
Dear Fearless! Community,
August brought opportunities to connect with families, community partners, and supporters across Orange and Sullivan Counties. From back-to-school events and National Night Out to continued advocacy for victim services funding, our work this month reflected the many ways we worked together to build safer communities and ensure survivors had access to the support they deserve.
| | |
Fearless! joined 10 towns and cities celebrating National Night Out, an annual event that brings together residents, law enforcement, first responders, nonprofit organizations, and local partners.
Our team was grateful for the opportunity to connect with community members, share information about Fearless!’s services and strengthen relationships with the people and organizations working alongside us to create safer, more connected communities.
Events like National Night Out give us an important opportunity to meet people where they are, increase awareness of available support, and remind our neighbors that we are here if they need us.
| | | |
A new school year brings excitement, new beginnings, and plenty of supplies! Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Fearless! was able to help youth and families across Orange and Sullivan Counties prepare for the school year through our annual School Supplies Drive.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who donated, shared our drive, or helped spread the word. Your support helps ease some of the financial burden of back-to-school shopping while ensuring the youth we serve can start the school year feeling prepared and confident.
| | |
Last month, Fearless! learned that we were facing an approximately 30% reduction in victim services funding, nearly $500,000 annually, at a time when the need for services continues to grow. We were not alone. Longstanding victim service providers across New York State faced significant and unexpected reductions, raising serious concerns about the stability of the system survivors rely on for support and advocacy.
Following weeks of advocacy from survivors, advocates, providers, and communities across the state, Governor Hochul announced an additional $36 million in funding for crime victim services. For Fearless!, this additional investment has significantly reduced the gap we were facing, but we are still facing an approximately 10% loss in funding.
We are grateful that the voices of survivors, advocates, and providers were heard, but this work is not finished.
| | Sullivan County Community Connection | | Fearless! joined Liberty Middle School’s 5th Grade Open House, providing information and resources to students and families as they prepared for the new school year. | | Orange County Community Connection | | Fearless! joined Fidelis Care’s Read with a Cop event at the Newburgh Free Library, connecting with local children and families while sharing information about our programs and services. | | The need for our services doesn't stop, and neither do we. Each month, Fearless! tracks the reach of our programs and services to better understand the needs of the communities we serve. The statistics below provide a real-time snapshot of our work across Orange and Sullivan counties, illustrating both the growing need for our services and the unwavering commitment of our staff. | | | 1,466
Hotline Contacts
653 Unique Callers | 47
Individuals Found Safety in Shelter
28 Adults & 19 Children | 108
Family Court
Accompaniments
80 clients | | | | 2,839
Crisis Counseling Sessions | 627
Safety Plans Developed
| 2,866
Advocacy Services Provided | 66
Therapeutic Counseling Sessions | | | |
Thank you for continuing to stand with Fearless! and survivors. Whether you donate, advocate, attend an event, or help share our message, your support strengthens this work and helps us continue showing up for those who need us. Together, we are creating safer, stronger communities across Orange and Sullivan Counties.
With gratitude,
| | Check out our online calendar to stay up to date on all upcoming events, workshops, awareness initiatives and community outreach opportunities. There’s always something happening at Fearless! | |
|
T-Shirt Design Contest
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is coming this October, and we're inviting our community to help us raise awareness through creativity! Submit an original design inspired by Domestic Violence Awareness Month by September 15. The winning design will be featured on a Fearless! shirt available through our online store, and the winner will receive a shirt featuring their design.
| |
|
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Clothesline Project will be on display in several locations
October 1: Sullivan Government Center, Monticello
October 2: Orange County Government Center, Goshen
October 7: Veterans' Memorial Park, Port Jervis
October 12: Galleria at Crystal Run, Middletown
October 14: Cornerstone Family Healthcare, Newburgh
October DVAM Workshops:
October 6: 'Domestic Violence 101' Workshop - Zoom
October 9: 'In Her Shoes' Workshop - Fearless! Family Justice Center
| |
We Can Be Heroes 5K Run/Walk
Join Fearless! for our 9th Annual We Can Be Heroes 5K Run/Walk & Kids Fun Run on Sunday, October 25th, at the Orange County Airport runway. Whether you’re running for a personal best, walking in support of survivors, or cheering on your everyday heroes, this community event helps raise critical funds and awareness for our free and confidential services throughout Orange and Sullivan Counties. All ages are welcome!
| | | | |
24-Hour Hotline
845-562-5340
| | | | Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc. | P.O. Box 649 | Newburgh, NY 12551 US | | | | |
