FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2025 

A Call to Action: Protect Survivors of Domestic Violence – Request the Immediate Release of Federal Funds 

From the Desk of Dr. Desmond Lamb, Executive Director
Friends of Yates, Inc. 

At Friends of Yates, we have stood as a beacon of hope for survivors of domestic violence and their children for decades, providing critical support, safety, and healing. Our mission is rooted in the unwavering belief that every SURVIVOR deserves protection, advocacy, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives free from fear. However, today, that mission is under dire threat. 

The current national administration’s decision to freeze federal funds designated for Domestic Violence programs has placed countless SURVIVORS at risk, jeopardizing essential services such as emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and transitional housing. These funds are not just numbers in a budget; they are lifelines for victims who rely on us for safety and survival. 

We recognize the temporary federal court order blocking the funding freeze until Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM—a small but crucial reprieve. However, a temporary block is not a solution. Without immediate, decisive action, thousands of SURVIVORS and children across the country and in our community will face uncertainty, and the very programs designed to protect them will be left scrambling to fill the gaps. 

We call on our elected officials, community leaders, and every advocate for justice to take a stand: 

• Congress please act swiftly to ensure the permanent restoration of these critical funds. 

• As the public we must raise our voices—contact your representatives and plea that they protect Domestic Violence SURVIVORS. 

• As communities it’s imperative that we mobilize to support local shelters and service providers facing an uncertain future. 

Survivors cannot wait. The children fleeing violence with their parents cannot wait. The frontline advocates who dedicate their lives to this cause cannot wait. We need action now. 

We urge all who believe in safety, dignity, and justice to stand with us and request the immediate release of these funds. The time to act is before the February 3 deadline because every moment of inaction puts more lives in jeopardy. 

Together, we can ensure that survivors receive the support they deserve and that no one is left to face violence alone. Join us. Speak out. Request immediate action. 

Dr. Desmond Lamb
Executive Director, Friends of Yates, Inc.