30 Years of Service
The world is at a turning point. They know it’s not just a women’s issue, it’s a human rights issue. The Retreat is an invitation for women and people of all genders to stand in solidarity with survivors to create a bold, visible and united force against domestic violence.
Funding is approved and staff is hired.
Domestic violence license is acquired
Outreach and education programs are developed
Domestic violence outreach and education programs are developed.
East Hampton shelter established
East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Southold, and Greenport are covered
The Retreat receives Marshalls Peace Prize for Heroes Don’t Hit
Recipient of Freedom Award to End Domestic Violence
Retreat Boutique is opened
Newsday Community Champions
Henry D. Pearson Award for excellence in leadership.
The Retreat celebrates 20 years of saving lives.
Summits & Art Shows
Financial programs, grants and more awards
The Retreat launches a goal-centered, strength-based financial management/job readiness training program designed to offer victims who have survived domestic violence the opportunity to harness knowledge and skills essential to breaking free and remaining self-sufficient outside of the confines of an abusive relationship.
We were also awarded the Engaging Men in Preventing Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking grant from The Office of Violence Against Women, a collaborative partnership with the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD).
The Retreat was awarded a grant through the Housing and Urban Development Program (HUD) to provide permanent housing to victims of domestic violence living with disabilities.
Lastly a grant from The Administration for Children and Families which allowed for the implementation of its proposed Suffolk County Fatherhood Initiative, a collaboration uniting The Retreat, the Suffolk County Probation Department, Stony Brook University, and the Children’s Museum of the East End in a community-level effort to reduce abuse of women and children.
Project BASE (Barrier and Stigma Elimination)
The Retreat was awarded a grant from The Office of Violence Against Women to provide transitional housing assistance and supportive services to homeless victims fleeing domestic violence. it was also awarded the Charity of The Year distinction by Nana Cares – The Kattie O. Berkoski Foundation.
Project BASE (Barrier and Stigma Elimination), a collaborative project that unites The Retreat, The Mental Health Association in Suffolk County Inc., and Parents for Megan’s Law Inc. (a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse and rape as well as services to victims of violent crime, including the elderly), was launched to assist with creating and intensifying institutional changes that will help raise public awareness and help each agency to better serve victims who are living with mental illness.
The Retreat’s Board President, Nicole Behrens, Wins a Women of Peace Award From The Women’s Peacepower Foundation.
The Retreat and Brighter Tomorrows join together to pilot “Domestic Violence Advocate Assisted Petition Program.”
The Stephanie House was born
After 24 years of renting, The Retreat purchased its’ emergency shelter and renamed it The Stephanie House, in honor of a dearly departed volunteer.
Retreat shelter volunteer, Susan Cook, received the Unsung Hero Award through the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, in recognition of her enthusiasm, dedication, and history of working with people in need.
Vicki Cooper, Shelter Director, received the National Association of Social Workers’ Student of the Year Award, presented in Albany, recognizing her leadership in the field, her academic achievements and her contributions to the social work profession.
The Suffolk County Fatherhood Initiative was renewed, after a highly competitive grant process, for an additional five years. The Retreat became an ally of the NO MORE campaign.
Recipient of the federal grant, Legal Assistance for Victims
The Retreat was awarded the federal grant, Legal Assistance for Victims, enabling us to employ two attorneys to assist clients with all legal matters
The Retreat receives a three-year grant for a Case Manager who will assist clients with all aspects of their lives going forward: housing, job placement, medical assistance, and education.
Barbara Hennessy receives the Child Abuse and Neglect/Family Violence Volunteer Award for Suffolk County.
