Below is a listing of the victims services available, and below the list are means of seeking such services by phone and in person:
Mental health counseling
Legal assistance
Travel assistance
Lodging
Funeral assistance
Assistance with medical expenses
Assistance with lost wages
Law enforcement contact information
Victim support events related to the shootings
PHONE ACCESS Those seeking these services should call the Broome County victim’s assistance hotline: (607)778-3911.
For those without access to this number, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has set up two toll-free telephone numbers:
The toll-free number for within the U.S. is 1-866-361-9056.
The international access number is 1-916-962-6285.
The DOJ will accept the charges from collect international callers.
All three numbers are available on a 24-hour basis and are manned by operators with full translation support.
"WALK IN" ACCESS
Following the devastating tragedy at the American Civic Association on Friday, several crime victim assistance agencies along with the Broome County Mental Health Department established an assistance center at the Holiday Inn Arena in order to assist those affected by the event. On April 9th, the Victim Assistance Center transitioned to the Broome County Health Department, which is located 225 Front Street in downtown Binghamton. The Center is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and will remain at the Broome County Health Department until further notice. Anyone seeking assistance should come to the Center or call the hotline (607) 778-3911.
Free transportation to the Victim Assistance Center is available through the Victim Assistance Center Hotline: again, (607)778-3911. A Mobile Victim Assistance team also has been established to conduct home visits. Those who wish to receive services at their households can make a request by calling the hotline. For those who do not speak English, translation services are available.
ONLINE ACCESS
Additional resources are available online, courtesy of the Broome County Department of Mental Health. Please see the below links:
(Contributions also can be made at www.unitedwaybroome.com,
and any Citizens Bank office in Broome County.)
The United Way of Broome County is available by phone at (607) 729-2592.
Checks should be made payable to the respective organization, and all donations should include "ACA Victims" in the memo line.
Donations to the children of Marc and Maria Bernard may be made to:
The Bernard Children Trust
c/o NBT Bank Trust Dept.
3121 Vestal Pkwy East
Vestal, NY 13850
Mayor Ryan and City Council sent a letter to representatives of the above mentioned organizations encouraging, among other things, coordination across the funds. All organizations responded very favorably, and have committed to work together across organizations and directly with the Crime Victims Assistance Center to effectively meet the needs of the family members of the victims.
At the Noon press briefing on April 6th, Senate Majority leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) announced two state grants, one $100,000 grant for the American Civic Association and another $100,000 grant for local assistance being provided to victims of this tragedy.
On Tuesday, April 14th at 4:30 p.m., a memorial service will be held in the Grand Corridor of the Fine Arts Building at Binghamton University. There will be an opportunity for individuals to express their condolences in writing, which will be included in a memorial book. The service will end by placing flowers in the Memorial Courtyard adjacent to the Grand Corridor.
On Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m., Binghamton University's Student Association will host a candlelight vigil at the fountain located just outside the main library at Binghamton University.
Please see the below for services that have taken place:
On Sunday, April 5th at 6pm, an interfaith community service was held at West Middle School.
On Thursday April 9th at 7pm, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the Graduate Student Organization of Binghamton University, and the Southern Tier Chinese Culture Association hosted a candlelight memorial at the Dickinson Amphitheater on Binghamton University campus.
On Friday, April 10th at 10:00am, an memorial service was held in downtown Binghamton. The service began at the Court House Lawn (Court/Chenango Street), with bells ringing at 10:30am to marking the time that last week's tragedy began. The service then proceeded to Confluence Park (just east of the Memorial Street Bridge), and concluded with a ceremonial planting of 14 tulips commemorating the deceased.
At the April 10th Community Memorial in Downtown Binghamton, Mayor Ryan offered these remarks on the community's loss, the healing process, and how to move forward with strength, compassion, and hope for brighter tomorrow.
At the April 6th City Council Legislative Session, Mayor Matt Ryan gave this statement highlighting the far-ranging cooperation of officials, organizations, and community members in responding to last Friday’s tragedy.
On April 4th, the City of Binghamton hosted a press briefing at Noon, and Angela Leach, Board President of the American Civic Association (ACA) gave the following statement. Please read this fact sheet distributed by ACA to learn more about this organization's positive contributions to our community.
