Empower, Healing, Community, Love, Inspire, Unite, Manifest, Elevate.

This past Thursday, ECLI-VIBES officially celebrated the opening of their new location in Islandia. They are one of Long Island’s most prominent nonprofit organizations supporting victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking and offer a variety of services for victims and their families.

The agency was formed when the Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island (ECLI) joined forces with the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk County (VIBES).

ECLI-VIBES aims to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where victims experiencing trauma feel safe and respected. They provide Legal and advocacy resources, sexual assault forensic examiners, anti-human trafficking services, adult and youth services, a community food pantry, and a 24/7 Hopeline.

Jennifer Hernandez, co-founder of ECLI and executive director of ECLI- VIBES, refers to herself and her staff as good friends or family members who will get victims through the challenges they are facing. “I always say we like to act as that good friend or family member, you know, cousin or aunt or uncle that is just like, no, we’re gonna figure this out together. Call me, let’s take it step by step, let’s organize things and get moving.”

Hernandez said, “We take a very holistic approach to anything the individual might be going through. We’re peeling away different layers.”

She gave the example of somebody coming in because they are experiencing food insecurity. Then, they realize ECLI-VIBES has support for their teenage daughter, who’s going through a hard time. Then, they learn that the teenager might have been sexually assaulted. Every survivor’s case is different and oftentimes is not straightforward.

Hernandez, along with four other women, co-founded ECLI back in 2005. At the time, they worked for another not-for-profit agency, where they saw deep gaps in services that weren’t addressing the traumas people were experiencing.

This was when they decided to create their own organization, where they worked as volunteers for three years, knocking on doors and talking to anyone who would listen. Eventually, they received small contracts from the courts and got connected with law enforcement and churches.

“The only thing we had to show for ourselves was the work we were doing,” she said.

By 2015, they were fully funded. However, in 2021, ECLI had the opportunity to acquire VIBES, another not-for-profit that had been around since the 1970s, and overnight, the organization grew.

When choosing their new location, Hernandez believed staying in the community they started was paramount.

“This building is night and day compared to where we were. We want people to feel like they’re very important, loved, and cared for because it’s not just about providing the service; it’s about helping them change that mindset that I do deserve better. I can get out of where I’m at because I’m strong,” she added.

Hernandez takes great pride in the space she and her staff have created. Most notably, the large boardroom had a large conference table surrounded by white office chairs. Down the middle were white-framed photographs of victims who had lost their lives due to abuse and human trafficking. These photos serve as a somber reminder of why ECLI-VIBES does the work they do.

ECLI-VIBES is currently working on its Hope Project, which aims to create an environment where children have a chance to thrive and build a brighter future. They are looking to upgrade the youth counseling space with room separators and essential materials for art, drama, and play therapy.

To donate or volunteer at ECLI-VIBES, go to eclivibes.org and scroll to the bottom of the webpage for more information.