news

ALBANY, NY – Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that In Our Own Voices (IOOV) has been awarded a grant of $600,000 to further enhance the organization’s critical services for victims of domestic violence, specifically targeting underserved populations in the Capital Region.  This award was granted through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women.  Rep. Tonko submitted a letter to DOJ earlier this year requesting this funding for the organization.

“Across our nation, too many survivors of domestic and sexual violence are forced to cope with their lasting, unimaginable trauma alone,” Congressman Tonko said.  “In our Capital Region, we are fortunate to have incredible organizations like In Our Own Voices that stand ready to deliver critical services and bring hope and support to survivors.  Funding for these vital programs saves and changes countless lives, and it is my honor to be able to announce this award that will help IOOV further its essential mission.  I will continue to fight alongside my colleagues in Congress to make certain that Americans in our region and beyond have the resources they need to seek justice, receive care and support, and rebuild their lives.”

“In Our Own Voices, Inc. is thrilled to have this funding opportunity that will allow IOOV to offer continued advocacy and civil legal services, through partnership with the Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (LASNNY), for urban and rural Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender Gender Non-Conforming Persons of Color (LGBTGNC POC) victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking in Albany, Columbia, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties,” said Tandra LaGrone, CEO of In Our Own Voices. “We are grateful to Congressman Tonko for his advocacy and support of those who have historically been marginalized.”

Congressman Tonko has long been a strong supporter of In Our Own Voices and their critical mission.  This June, Tonko kicked off Pride Month at IOOV to highlight his push to bring new federal funding for the organization to add two new vital programs: a drop-in center for LGBT/GNC youth and a transitional housing program for homeless and at-risk LGBT/GNC individuals.  This project is one of 15 local Community Projects for which Tonko has requested federal funding through the FY2023 congressional appropriations process.

Tonko has also worked throughout his career to deliver protections and services for victims of violence.  Last year, he voted in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that would protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as by addressing gaps in current law that have been identified by victims, survivors, and advocates.

In Our Own Voices (IOOV) was established in 1997 as a non-profit organization in Albany, New York to address the health-related needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people of color.  IOOV provides a wide range of services for survivors of violence, including a support line, advocacy, and training for professionals serving LGBT people of color.

###