From the Union Sun & Journal: Maziarz to receive first "Friend of YWCA" award"

For more than 25 years, the YWCA of Niagara has provided food, housing, counseling and advocacy for some of the most fragile members of the Niagara County community; the hundreds of women and children, victims of domestic violence, victims who call the emergency hotline or come to the YWCA seeking lifesaving shelter and a chance at a new life for themselves and their children.

In recognition of his two decades of faithful support of the YWCA of Niagara’s Domestic Violence Program, State Sen. George Maziarz will be honored with the first “Friend of the YWCA” award at the 2013 Niagara Awards banquet, being held Sept. 24 at the Niagara Falls Conference Center.

This new recognition, sponsored by Calspan Corporation, will be added annually to the eight awards given to women across the county at the YWCA’s premier event.

“From the moment he took office in 1995, Sen. Maziarz has been a loyal friend and supporter of the YWCA of Niagara, specifically, the domestic violence victims we serve in our shelter, transitional housing and counseling programs, as well as the resident’s of Carolyn’s House, our supportive housing program for homeless women and children,” Kathleen A. Granchelli, YWCA of Niagara CEO said.

“Each and every year without fanfare, Sen. Maziarz has worked diligently to help provide the necessary financial support that allows us to service an ever growing population of women and children fleeing domestic violence.  On many occasions, state budget cuts have threatened to dismantle our Alternatives to Domestic Violence Program.  Without his strong and steady support, both financially and through crucial legislation, Sen. Maziarz has enabled us to continue to provide the services that are truly lifesaving,” Granchelli said.

Tickets for the dinner are available at the YWCA at 433-6714; more information is available at www.ywcaniagara.org.

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