Senator Hinchey Applauds Mobile Technology Funding to Enhance Domestic Violence Services in Greene, Montgomery, and Ulster Counties

Saugerties, NY…Senator Michelle Hinchey (SD-46) applauded the announcement that four state-licensed domestic violence service providers in the 46th Senate District will be receiving federal funding for the purchase and upgrade of mobile technology to bolster remote services for victims of domestic violence and improve Wi-Fi access in shelters. Nonprofit organizations receiving funding in Hinchey’s district are Catholic Charities of Montgomery County in Amsterdam ($8,000), Community Action of Greene County in Catskill ($11,000), Family Services which assists communities in the Hudson Valley ($79,000), and Family of Woodstock in Woodstock ($6,000).

“This funding for mobile advocacy is urgently needed to help our local providers better assist victims and survivors during a time when we’ve seen instances of domestic violence spike due to the pandemic,” said Senator Hinchey. “We’ve seen the need for innovation across our nonprofit sector and many of our local domestic violence service providers have pivoted to incorporate the use of mobile technology to communicate with victims, support families in shelter facilities, and keep them connected to the services they need. I’m glad to see our providers receive this funding to expand these services.”

The funding, awarded through the federal Victims of Crime Act, was administered by a partnership of the state Office of Victims Services (OVS) and the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and is part of a $1.5 million allocation to 89 state-licensed domestic violence service providers across New York State to improve services through access to technology.

Senator Michelle Hinchey represents the 46th Senate District, which includes Greene and Montgomery Counties and parts of Albany, Schenectady, and Ulster Counties. Senator Hinchey serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business, Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, Energy and Telecommunications, Environmental Conservation, and Local Government Committees.
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