OFO Wins $3M To Provide
Legal Help To Abuse Victims
ONEONTA – Opportunities for Otsego has received a $3 million grant to hire attorneys who will support crime victims with civil legal matters, such as divorce, custody, immigration and financial issues, OFO CEO Dan Maskin announced a few minutes ago.
Administered by the state Office of Victim Services (OVS), the federally funded grant will provide $600,000 annually for each of the next five years so its Violence Intervention Program can provide free legal help to its clients.
OFO will subcontract with a team of lawyers to provide services in Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties not now being met.
The team will include three attorneys and a paralegal; provide training on trauma-informed approaches, and partner with the Crime Victims Legal Network to support the launch the New York Crime Victims Legal Help website.
OFO’s VIP provides serves victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and violent crimes 24-7 through a crisis hotline, 607.432.4855.
