By Ashley M. Casey

Staff Writer

Now that the holiday gift-giving season is in full swing, you may have a few recipients on your lists that already have everything they need.

Instead of buying a sweater that will go unworn or trinkets that will go unused, you might consider making a gift in your loved one’s name to an agency that has given so much to the Central New York community.

Vera House, which provides advocacy, shelter and counseling services for those affected by domestic and sexual violence, recently announced its winter appeal: The agency is raising money to move into a new office on James Street in Syracuse.

“Our appeal this year is to ask our supporters to make our new house a home,” said Randi Bregman, executive director of Vera House. “[It needs] renovations to make it the right space for the people we serve.”

Currently located on Thompson Road, Vera House will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2017. Bregman said this milestone was a fitting time for the agency to seek a new home.

“We think it’s a great time to take such a step 40 years after Sister Mary Vera started this work,” she said.

Vera House’s new office will be located in a historic mansion at 723 James St.

“It’s a beautiful old James Street mansion, and we really felt like it was a place that could feel like home — not your typical office building,” Bregman said.

Bregman said the current office lacks sufficient room for staff meetings and volunteer training. She said the new office will make a “world of difference” to Vera House’s staff and clients alike.

“Our therapists need safe, warm, welcoming spaces,” she said.

In addition to having more space, the new office will expand access for Vera House’s clients. It is closer to the Centro bus line, on which many clients rely for transportation.

“It can really be a challenge for some people with kids to work the bus schedule,” Bregman said.

Also, the new building will be fully wheelchair-accessible with lifts at the front entrance and on the second floor. Bregman said the building requires updates to its HVAC and lighting systems as well.

Bregman said renovations will total nearly $1 million.

“Every little bit helps,” she said.

If all goes as planned, the James Street office will be finished and ready for staff to move in next spring.

To donate to Vera House’s winter appeal, visit verahouse.org/give/donate-now or send a check made out to “Vera House Inc.” to the administrative offices located at 6181 Thompson Road, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206.

Naming opportunities are also available for certain spaces in the new office. To learn more, contact Development Director Carol Charles at [email protected].