Sepa Mujer Inc

VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS PROGRAM: V.I.D.A (Viviendo Independiente con Dignidad y Aspiracion) The Victims and Survivors Program supports Latina immigrant victims of crime, addressing issues such as gender-based violence (domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking), hate crimes, gang violence, and wage theft. Launched in 2019 with funding from the New York State Office of Victim Services, the program has since expanded through additional support from the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) for the Thriving Latinas, S.A.N.A.R.programs, CASITA transitional housing, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) for the Freedom Plan program to assist victims of human trafficking. Our 24/7 Ayuda Latina Hotline is the only 24/7 Spanish-English hotline for victims of gender-based violence, hate crimes, and wage theft, staffed by trained volunteers.

LEGAL SERVICES: Access to high-quality and culturally sensitive legal services is essential for adults and children escaping abuse and violence. SEPA MUJER is dedicated to providing immigration legal services to immigrant victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse. Legal assistance is available for those eligible for U visas, T visas, VAWA protections, gender-based asylum, and more, often at little or no cost. We understands the daily challenges immigrant victims face in Suffolk County, including workers rights violations, immigration raids, and lack of language accessan issue that can significantly impact the reporting of crimes. Together with community advocates, we fiercely support interpretation and translation services for crime victims, as mandated by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

EQUITY AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM (ECEP): SEPA Mujers Equity and Community Empowerment Program (ECEP) serves the immigrant community on Long Island through education, leadership development, and essential resources for migrant families. Our Education and Outreach initiatives focus on building collective power by addressing critical social justice issues such as gender violenceencompassing domestic violence, sexual assault, and human traffickingas well as workers rights, including wage theft prevention and health equity. Our GIRLS A.C.T. (Activist. Creating. Transforming) Program provides Latina youth aged 14-20 in Suffolk County with a supportive space for mentorship and leadership. Participants engaged in activities such as college tours and hands-on experiences with our staff, fostering their creativity and commitment to social justice.

Emergency Cash Assistance Program: SEPA Mujer Inc. continued to support immigrant families on Long Island through funds from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). This program provided financial relief for rent, mortgage, and food expenses to individuals in need, with a focus on single mothers, immigrant women survivors of gender violence, and immigrant women who lost their jobs and were ineligible for other forms of government assistance.