The New York Federal Executive board initiated a partnership with the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, the Federal Employees Assistance Program, the National Treasury Employees Union, and eight Federal agencies to address the problem of domestic violence and its impact on the Federal workforce. The project, funded with seed money of only $1,000, led to the development of the first comprehensive guide to domestic violence resources in New York State. Additional funds provided for printing nearly 40,000 copies of the guide for Federal employees. The project became a model for similar employer efforts throughout the country. The document is now used for training hospital emergency room staff, for training workers in battered women's shelters, and for direct service to battered women as they or their partners pass through various agencies of the local or Federal criminal justice systems. This project is an outstanding example of how the Federal government, local government, non-profit agencies and unions can come together with minimal funds to address a major social and public health problem.

New York Federal Executive Board
Public Service Recognition Week Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, May 7, 1997

What is a Hammer Award?
The Hammer Award is presented to teams of government employees who have made significant contributions in support of reinventing government principles. The Award is the Vice President's answer to yesterday's government and its $400 hammer. Fittingly, the award consists of a $6.00 hammer, a ribbon, and a note from Vice President Gore, all in an aluminum frame. About 600 Hammer Awards have been presented to teams comprised of federal employees, state and local employees, and citizens who are working to build a better government.

For more information on the Hammer Awards, go to the Reinventing Government Awards Page.