Syracuse nonprofit Vera House will go without $174,250 dollars in funding this year from the United Way of Central New York, it's President Nancy Kern Eaton confirmed Friday. She sent CNY Central this statement regarding that decision:
Like many in our community, we are concerned about reports regarding the ongoing serious issues at Vera House. The United Way of Central New York has paused our funding of programs at Vera House. It is our hope that challenges facing Vera House will come to a positive resolution. We remain committed to supporting programs that effectively address the greatest needs in this community.
Earlier this week, the CNY Central team confirmed with the Vera House Board of Directors that Executive Director Angela Douglas was let go after being placed on paid leave.
CNY Central has been investigating the agency since August, when we uncovered they knowingly hired a registered level two sex offender to work as a victim advocate.
When asked about the loss in funding from the United way, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said, "Why wouldn't they? I hope that now they're encouraged by the fact that there's going to be a nationwide search for a new director."
The nonprofit's board announced they will be casting a wide net to look for someone new to lead the organization. Fitzpatrick said this is a big chance to prove to the United Way and any other donors that they deserve funding. "They've got to say look, look at our new director. Look at his or her background and resume. This person is going to take us back to where we were and into the future."
In response to the news, First Vice President, Vera House Board of Directors Benjamin-Ariel Charles released a statement to CNY Central saying, "It is accurate that the United Way of Central New York paused our funding in the amount of nearly $200,000.00 in December. Additionally, it is also true the endowment is currently under the management of the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF). We want to be clear that the $4 million endowment the former Foundation shifted to CNYCF without Board or leadership knowledge and the manner of the transfer violated the agency's and Vera House Foundation's bylaws and NYS nonprofit law. CNYCF without Board or leadership knowledge and the manner of the transfer violated the agency's and Vera House Foundation's bylaws and NYS nonprofit law. We are shocked and disheartened to learn this had happened behind our backs. The endowment is safe and that money will continue to fund programs in support of Vera House."
Charles continued, "We acknowledge this pause as an opportunity to rebuild trust and implement necessary changes to ensure Vera House is the agency this community deserves and is one we can all be proud of supporting. Our work and communication continue to improve with community supporters, including the United Way, to ensure our standards are aligned together, as we advance. We remain committed to the staff, donors, and community partners who support Vera House every day. We could never attain our vision of a world free of violence and abuse without them. We have come to appreciate further the challenges faced by the organization and continue to identify opportunities for change. We know we can and should do better for the people we serve as we remain uniformly focused on our vision and mission. Vera House is open and continues to provide services to our clients and the community. This will not change."