News + Publications

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2026

March 11

Boston researchers reveal hidden epidemic of brain injuries from intimate partner violence – WCVB

2025

October 23

Advocates worry funding cut could limit services for domestic violence survivors – WGBH

“With these cuts to our DPH funding, collectively we will have fewer already scant shelter beds across the state – and fewer community advocates to help survivors plan for and obtain safety from abuse.”

Read CEO Stephanie Brown’s full speech.

January 30

Casa Myrna’s Response to Federal Funding Freeze

February 7

Casa Myrna’s Response to New Immigration Directives

Federal Policy and Funding Updates

To Our Community Partners, Supporters, and Stakeholders,

Casa Myrna is writing to inform our community of significant developments that will impact survivors of domestic and dating violence across Massachusetts. Recent funding and benefit reductions—both at the state and federal levels—will have serious implications for the individuals and families we serve.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced statewide funding cuts that affect a number of domestic and sexual violence service providers, including Casa Myrna. DPH has notified us of our cuts totaling $108k effective December 1, 2025. These reductions will limit critical resources that support emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and advocacy services for survivors.

At the same time, many of our participants are experiencing additional hardship as a result of recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which have reduced access to food assistance for low-income families and individuals – and will not be distributed the month of November due to the federal government shut down.

These combined funding and benefit cuts place survivors—many of whom are already facing housing instability, unemployment, and the lasting trauma of abuse—at greater risk. Casa Myrna is deeply concerned about the cumulative impact on the safety, health, and wellbeing of the people we serve.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to survivors remains unwavering. Casa Myrna is actively seeking alternative funding streams, engaging with philanthropic partners, and mobilizing community support to sustain our programs. We are also collaborating closely with statewide advocacy coalitions to call for the restoration of critical DPH funding and to urge the protection of food and income supports like SNAP, which are vital to survivor stability and recovery.

While these changes necessitate careful planning and adjustment, Casa Myrna will continue to provide the essential, survivor-centered services that our community depends on. Our mission—to deliver safety, healing, and empowerment for all survivors of domestic and dating violence—remains unchanged.

We are deeply grateful for the continued partnership of our funders, advocates, and community allies. Together, we can ensure that survivors continue to receive the comprehensive support they need and deserve.

With appreciation,

Stephanie Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Casa Myrna

Read CEO Stephanie Brown’s past notes on federal policy and funding changes.