M E D I A   R E L E A S E For Immediate Release November 11, 2005 Clarence Patton, 9-Year Agency Veteran and Long-Time Community Activist Officially Takes Helm of Anti-Violence Project Appointment announced at annual gala as agency kicks off 25th Anniversary activities New York – At the 2005 Courage Awards dinner held this past Monday night, David Eng, the Chair of the New York City Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project's Board of Directors announced that Clarence Patton had been chosen as the agency's next Executive Director. Patton has served as Acting Executive director of the Anti-Violence Project since May, when the Executive Director Richard Haymes left for an extended medical leave, and subsequently stepped down. He has been with the organization for nine years, first as Director of Development, then as Director of Community Organizing & Public Advocacy, and was later given the additional title of Acting Executive Director of the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) when the two agencies created an "incubation" agreement allowing the Anti-Violence Project to host the national organization. "I think all of us, the Board, staff and community think it's past time for Clarence to stop "acting" and take this job seriously," joked Eng at Monday's gala dinner. "We are looking forward to Clarence's leadership in helping to continue the tremendous growth and impact of this wonderful organization," continued Eng. "I'm extraordinarily fortunate to have the opportunity to lead the Anti-Violence Project at this time," said Patton. "The agency is strong and only getting stronger; and as we move into our second quarter century, our impact on the communities we serve directly and others will no doubt continue to grow and develop as we serve the needs of the community more fully," he added. As head of NCAVP, Patton greatly increased the budget of the fledgling organization through maximizing private philanthropic revenue and initiating a donor membership program as well as a major gifts program. Additionally, he created new visibility for NCAVP and its members in the media and LGTB communities across the country. This spring, NCAVP launched its signature program to increase the capacity of anti-violence response in the nation's LGTB communities: the Anti-Violence Training Academy. The Anti-Violence Project's Department of Community Organizing & Public Advocacy today is largely a reflection of Patton's vision. He oversaw staff growth for training, education, outreach and volunteer recruitment programming, as well as the creation of both a Youth Anti-Violence Initiative and Statewide LGTB Domestic Violence Network. During his tenure as the Anti-Violence Project's Director of Development, the agency's budget rose over 40%, and the agency's signature event The Courage Awards was initiated. Prior to his work with the Anti-Violence Project, Patton was Program Coordinator at the Empire State Pride Agenda. In that capacity, he worked with that organization's Legislative Counsel and Political Director in addition to managing the group's organizing activities among people of color statewide. According to the Anti-Violence Project, on average, the organization receives a call about a new anti-LGTB incident every 12 hours, and a call about a new anti-LGTB assault every 36 hours. In 2004, AVP served over 2,000 victims of violence. AVP’s annual reports on hate and domestic violence can be accessed online at www.avp.org. The New York City Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project (AVP) is the nation's largest service agency for victims of bias crimes against the lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected communities. For nearly twenty-five years, AVP has provided counseling and advocacy for thousands of victims of bias-motivated violence as well as for survivors of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, HIV-related violence, and police misconduct. AVP documents incidents of violence against and within LGTB communities, educates the public about the effects of violence, against or within our communities, and works to reform public policies impacting all lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual, and HIV-affected people. AVP provides free and confidential assistance to crime victims through our 24-hour bilingual hotline (212-714-1141).