 | 24-hour hotline: 631.329.2200 |  |
  |  Thank YouDear Friends, On behalf of the Board, staff, and the women and children of the Retreat we so proudly serve, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for the support of our community. During a time when our country is facing unprecedented economic challenges, the Retreat feels and acknowledges the impact of the nation’s economic downturn, and the tough choices that coincide. Organizationally, we have seen dramatic funding cuts from Federal, State and local government, in addition to a substantial drop in private donations. Simultaneously, demand for our services has been accelerating at a record-breaking pace. Domestic violence service requests at the Retreat increased 33.7% in the most recent 12-month period, just as organizational resources have begun declining. We are finding that during these trying economic times, household stress levels are swelling, and consequently incidents of emotional, physical and mental abuse have spiked. Potential clients are even more frightful to abandon their abuser(s) and face the negative financial ramifications. Because employment is very difficult in the current economic climate, even the most resourceful women and children are feeling increasingly desperate and trapped. The services of the nonprofit that I lead help victims to find safety, independence, and empowerment. Perhaps as importantly, through our targeted and confidential outreach and anonymous service offerings, we help people who are enduring such terrifying and soul-depleting abuses to identify their situations and to feel safe in talking about them and seeking immediate short- and long-term solutions. None of us can be certain about the future but we can decide today to make a difference in the lives of others. Your continued financial support of the Retreat will enable us to continue to offer our services free of charge to all victims of domestic violence and their children on the North and South Forks of Long Island. I am asking you to use this opportunity to make a donation today that will ensure that the Retreat can continue to help keep the women and children living in our community safe from family violence. Sincerely,
Jeffrey Friedman Executive Director This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 6th, 2009 at 2:02 am and is filed under Executive Director. The Retreat. Where domestic violence ends & hope begins. Resources – A helpful list of resources for our clients & supporters |  newsletters |
