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ALBANY, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko announced today that In Our Own Voices (IOOV) has been awarded a grant of $375,000 to help further its mission to serve the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people of color in the Capital Region as well as their friends and families.  Specifically, this grant, awarded through the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women, will further enhance IOOV’s culturally specific services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

“Across our region and our nation, too many survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault lack access to the resources they need to deal with the trauma they’ve experienced,” Congressman Tonko said.  “Our Capital Region is fortunate to have the dedicated advocates at In Our Own Voices, who work tirelessly every day to provide these crucial services to those who need them most.  I’ve always been a proud supporter of IOOV and their critical mission, and I’m honored to announce this award that will help them continue to serve our communities.  And I’ll continue to keep up my fight to make certain that Americans across our nation 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 received this continuation of funding through the DOJ OVW’s Culturally Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program,” said Tandra LaGrone, CEO of In Our Own Voices.  “This allows us to continue delivering services to BIPOC LGBT/GNC communities under our Capital Region LGBT Anti-Violence Project.  We are grateful for Congressman Tonko’s support of LGBT BIPOC individuals who are victims and survivors of violence.”

Congressman Tonko is a strong supporter of In Our Own Voices and their essential work.  Earlier this month, Tonko announced another $600,000 grant for In Our Own Voices to further enhance the organization’s critical services for victims of domestic violence, an award for which Rep. Tonko submitted a letter to DOJ requesting funding.  And this June, Tonko kicked off Pride Month at IOOV to highlight his push to bring new federal funding for the organization to add two vital new 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 Reauthorization Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation he cosponsored that would protect all Americans by reaffirming protections for every woman, as well as 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.

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