Boeheim Foundation Supports OCO SAF House

by Contributor | December 14, 2017 11:32 am

FULTON, NY – Oswego County Opportunities recently received a gift of $5,000 from the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation to benefit its SAF House.

Part of OCO’s Services to Aid Families program, the SAF House provides a temporary haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence who are in crisis and need temporary safe housing.

In addition to having their basic needs met, residents receive staff supports that include crisis intervention, supportive counseling, information and referral, advocacy, childcare, transportation, assistance with securing financial independence and locating housing in a violence-free environment.

The grant from the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation will provide OCO with funds to purchase new playground equipment for the children who are temporarily residing at the SAF House shelter.

“The SAF House operates on a very strict budget,” said OCO Development Coordinator Margaret Barclay. “Funding received from state and federal grants are specifically allocated to fund operational expenses, such as staffing, food, program needs, transportation, etc. Many of the children at our SAF House had to leave their toys and all of their belongings at home. As a result clients and their children often spend multiple hours outside in the play area. A new updated play structure would provide these children with hours of fun and entertainment.”

This year OCO’s SAF House has provided shelter for 35 children, the majority of which were ages 5 and younger.

“A new play structure with multiple play areas would help children remain engaged for longer periods of time,” said Victim Services Residential Senior Program Manager Judy Egan. “Thanks to the support of the Jim and Julie Boeheim foundation we will be able to add a new playground that will allow children at the shelter to just be kids and use their imagination to escape the harsh reality of their little world for a short time. And it allows mom the opportunity to observe her children just being kids for that short time during the family’s daily nightmare of suffering the effects of domestic violence and homelessness.”

“OCO’s mission is to inspire partnerships and provide partnerships to empower people, support communities and change lives,” added Barclay. “Providing victims of domestic and sexual violence who are in crisis with temporary, safe housing helps to fulfill this mission. The recent gift from The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation allows OCO to continue to help families in need change their lives.”

SAF continues to be the county’s sole provider of services to aid victims of physical and sexual violence.

These services include an 18-bed licensed shelter, a 24-hour crisis hotline, advocacy, transitional housing, forensic exam accompaniment, supportive individual and group counseling, case management, outreach and awareness activities, professional trainings and prevention education.

Additionally, all crime victims can receive assistance with accessing NYS’s Crime Victim Compensation Program through SAF.

The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation strives to enrich the lives of children in need within our Central New York community, as well, as, provide support for eliminating cancer through research and advocacy.

For more information on the Jim and Juli Boeheim foundation, visit www.boeheimfoundation.org.

OCO, Inc. is a private, non-profit agency that has been supporting communities throughout Oswego County since 1966.

A member agency of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, OCO provides more than 50 vital services throughout 100 separate locations.

For more information, visit www.oco.org.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/community/boeheim-foundation-supports-oco-saf-house/

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