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In recognition of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, employees from the Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) dressed in purple on Thursday, October 18 for National Wear Purple Day to raise awareness of domestic violence and support the efforts of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Services to Aid Families (SAF) program.
DSS employees put on their purple and were able to wear jeans to work by making a donation to the SAF Program. Staff at DSS raised a total of $311. “We value all of our community partners, and each year we enjoy partnering with OCO SAF to ‘Shine The Light’ on domestic violence,” said DSS Senior Social Welfare Examiner Stephanie Hoxie. “This fundraiser is really a great opportunity to remind us how interwoven our work is, and that as a community we can do much more together than we can apart. “
The OCO Services to Aid Families (SAF) program is the domestic violence and rape crisis program that serves Oswego County. The goal of SAF is to raise awareness of the epidemic of domestic and sexual violence and to educate individuals on the impact of violence and abuse in our communities. SAF has provided crisis, supportive, advocacy and educational services throughout Oswego County for over 30 years.
“It takes a coordinated effort by all corners of the community – law enforcement, advocates, schools, and social service workers – to combat domestic violence,” said SAF Victim Services Program Manager Jackie Guglielmo. “We’re very thankful to have the support of staff at DSS and to collaborate with them so we can better serve victims and survivors in our community.” Guglielmo also said the money donated to SAF will be used to help clients pay for process servers, documentation, such as birth certificates, and for emergent needs that come up.
If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence or stalking, call the Crisis Hotline at (315) 342-1600. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and is free and confidential.
Did you know? A private, non-profit agency, OCO’s many programs touch the lives of approximately 20,000 Oswego County residents each. One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO employs nearly 600 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1200. OCO strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org. Now you know ... it’s OCO!
