HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials approved more than $42 million in state and federal grants Wednesday to support public safety programs, including services for gun violence victims, county probation departments, youth substance abuse prevention, and security improvements for nonprofits vulnerable to hate crimes.
What This Means for You
- More than $42 million will support public safety programs across Pennsylvania.
- Funding includes services for gun violence victims, county probation programs, and opioid treatment in jails.
- Nonprofits facing potential hate-motivated attacks will receive funding for security upgrades.
The funding package was approved March 11 by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, a state body that distributes grants aimed at strengthening criminal justice programs and community safety initiatives across the Commonwealth.
Major Grant Investments
The commission approved approximately $42.5 million in total funding across multiple initiatives.
Among the allocations, $20.6 million in Justice Reinvestment Initiative savings will go to county probation and parole departments. The funding is intended to support local probation services and help counties implement reforms established under Act 44 of 2023, a law designed to improve probation practices and supervision systems.
Another $6.75 million will support indigent defense programs, which provide legal representation to people who cannot afford an attorney. Counties may use the funds to recruit and retain staff, expand training, improve data reporting systems, and address other gaps in public defense services.
Officials said earlier rounds of this funding helped counties hire nearly 40 additional attorneys and support staff while also improving technology used to manage criminal cases.
Support for Victims and Community Recovery
Several grants focus on communities affected by gun violence.
The commission approved $925,000 for the Anti-Violence Partnership of Philadelphia to support the Kingsessing Heals Community Resiliency Center. The center was created following a July 2023 mass shooting in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighborhood and provides mental health and recovery services to victims and residents affected by violence.
An additional $500,000 was approved for consulting firm ICF to continue developing the Resources for Victims of Gun Violence Initiative and the Philadelphia Hope and Healing Center pilot program.
“Kingsessing Heals Community Resilience Center is grateful for the continued partnership and investment of PCCD,” said Tim Massaquoi, LPC, executive director of the Kingsessing Heals Community Resilience Center. “Their support enables us to deliver critical mental health and wellness services directly to the communities we serve — ensuring that those most impacted by gun violence have access to the care, healing, and resilience-building resources they deserve.”
Addressing Opioid Addiction and Youth Prevention
The commission also approved $2 million to expand medically assisted treatment services for people under county jail supervision who have opioid use disorders.
Another $650,000 will fund a statewide messaging campaign aimed at preventing substance abuse among youth and reducing harm associated with opioid addiction.
Security Grants for Nonprofits
Approximately $10.8 million in grants will fund physical security improvements for nonprofit organizations considered at risk of hate-motivated attacks.
The security funding can be used for measures such as surveillance systems, access controls, and other safety upgrades.
Additional Criminal Justice Planning
In addition to approving grant funding, the commission reviewed Pennsylvania’s upcoming federal Byrne Justice Assistance Grant plan, which outlines how the state intends to distribute federal public safety funding.
The commission also adopted updated operating standards for county Criminal Justice Advisory Boards, which coordinate local criminal justice planning. Officials said the updates strengthen guidance on board membership, continuity, and long-term sustainability.
PCCD Executive Director Kirsten Kenyon said the funding approvals reflect the agency’s broader effort to support safety and violence prevention programs statewide.
“The actions taken today highlight our continued work to improve public safety and strengthen communities statewide,” Kenyon said.
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