READING, PA — The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has awarded $2,155,665 in Violence Prevention and Intervention (VIP) grants to four local entities in Berks County. This significant financial injection aims to support a range of initiatives designed to tackle community violence, with a special emphasis on gun and group-related incidents.
The grants are part of a broader state effort to provide technical assistance and promote evidence-based practices in violence prevention and intervention across Pennsylvania. Eligible recipients include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, municipalities, counties, and district attorney’s offices, reflecting a comprehensive approach to addressing the roots of violence in communities.
The Berks County Adult Probation and Parole Department received the largest share of the funding, with $950,000 allocated towards the implementation of cognitive behavioral programming. This initiative targets individuals under supervision for firearm-related offenses, aiming to address behaviors and thought patterns that contribute to violence.
Centro Hispano Daniel Torres, Inc., was awarded $792,517 to enhance support for Latino youth and their families through positive parenting practices and youth development programs. This includes a collaborative effort with other agencies to offer a variety of supportive services aimed at fostering a safer and more nurturing community environment.
The Camel Project received $273,829 to roll out a 36-month program focused on bullying prevention. Training sessions will be provided to students, educators, parents, and community leaders, highlighting the dynamics and impacts of bullying and equipping them with strategies to effectively address this pervasive issue.
CASA of Berks County’s grant of $139,319 supports the Youth in Transition Counseling Program, further underscoring the commitment to providing targeted interventions for at-risk youth in the county.
The announcement was met with praise from local officials, including Sen. Judy Schwank (D-Berks) and Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D-Berks), who lauded the efforts of the grant recipients and the state’s support in addressing community violence. “This is an impressive group of award recipients, and I’m very grateful for all that they are doing to better the lives of others,” Schwank stated, highlighting the potential of these initiatives to make a significant impact in Berks County.
Cepeda-Freytiz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of such investments for the safety and well-being of the community. “It’s very encouraging to see our community receive the support it deserves,” she said, acknowledging the dedication of the grant recipients to making Berks County a safer place.
The VIP grants represent a crucial step forward in tackling the complex issue of violence in Berks County. By supporting a diverse array of programs, from cognitive behavioral interventions to bullying prevention, the funding aims to build a stronger, more resilient community. As these initiatives unfold, the hope is that they will not only reduce incidents of violence but also foster a culture of safety, support, and positive development for all residents.
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