Gillibrand Honored on 'Tree of Hope'

By [Reid Spagna] U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was honored by the Bowery Women Mission"s Center at Hearsease Home, when a plaque bearing her name was placed on the Bowery Tree of Hope. Opened more than five years ago, the East 70th Street home is a residential center capable of housing up to 20 women. The center provides emotional support for women dealing with drug abuse and domestic violence. The June 18 ceremony featured the inscription of Gillibrand"s name on the Bowery"s Tree of Hope, a group of bronze, leaf-shaped plaques that adorn the home"s garden. According to Veronica Kelly, director of special projects at the home, this gesture is reserved for those who serve as an â??inspiration to all women. Current tenant Cynthia DeJesus expressed the same sentiment, stating that those whose names are found on the Tree of Hope have given a piece of themselves to the home and its residents.