In this episode of Cultivate CNY, host Alex Canavan sits down with Tricia Matthews, CEO of Vera House, and Rebecca Shiroff, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Intergovernmental Affairs, to discuss one of our community’s most critical missions—supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Tricia and Rebecca bring decades of combined experience in nonprofit leadership, policy, and community advocacy. Together, they share how Vera House provides safety, healing, and hope through crisis intervention, prevention education, and survivor-centered support. Their conversation sheds light on the realities survivors face, the systems that need strengthening, and the cultural change required to build a community free from violence.
💡 A conversation about advocacy, leadership, and the power of standing with survivors.
💬 Topics we cover:
* How Vera House supports survivors across Central New York
* Tricia and Rebecca’s leadership journeys in nonprofit and community work
* The importance of prevention, education, and cultural change* Why collaboration and community involvement are essential
* What it means to lead with compassion while driving real impact
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Learn more on the Vera House website
Follow Vera House on Instagram
Crisis line: 315-468-3260
PHONE: 315-425-0818
TTYL: 315-484-7263 (for Deaf community - during business hours)
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