ROYERSFORD, PA — State Sen. Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks) announced that over $8.4 million in funding has been awarded to organizations across Senate District 44 through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The grants, funded by the Federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) and the Federal STOP Violence Against Women Act, will bolster services supporting victims of crime, domestic violence, and abuse across Chester, Montgomery, and Berks Counties.
Muth emphasized the importance of sustaining programs that provide essential resources to survivors. “Our region has incredible organizations that help ensure survivors have adequate support and an understanding of where they can turn for help — whether that is safe shelter and housing, medical care, legal assistance, and trauma-informed care and support programs,” she said. “This annual PCCD funding is critical for these organizations to continue providing lifesaving services and programs.”
Regional Initiatives
Several regional programs received significant support, including:
- SeniorLAW Center — $1,454,913 for the Keeping Elder Victims S.A.F.E. program in Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties.
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania — $535,140 to provide legal services for domestic abuse victims.
- MidPenn Legal Services — $646,342 for the Legal Interventions for Victims Empowerment (LIVE) program in Berks County and surrounding areas.
- CASA Youth Advocates — $401,572 for child victim advocacy in Chester and Delaware Counties.
- Children’s Crisis Treatment Center — $98,626 for clinical care coordination for child victims.
- Vietgroup Empowers — $125,000 to expand resources under the STOP Violence Against Women Act.
Chester County
- Domestic Violence Center of Chester County — $786,014 to continue services for domestic violence victims.
- Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County — $649,289 for VOCA-funded victim support programs.
Montgomery County
- Lincoln Center for Family and Youth — $815,930 for the Heather’s Hope renewal program.
- Victim Services Center of Montgomery County — $522,314 to support programming for sexual assault and other crimes.
- Women’s Center of Montgomery County — $452,754 for domestic violence services.
- Laurel House — $398,022 for domestic violence recovery programs.
- Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County — $188,234 for coordinated child abuse response efforts.
Berks County
- SAFE Berks — $1,136,592 to enhance programs supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
- Berks County Commissioners — $131,862 for victim service enhancements.
- CASA of Berks County — $45,183 to continue child victim advocacy services.
- Community Justice Project — $42,928 for immigration legal services supporting victims.
Muth said she will continue advocating for sustainable funding to ensure organizations can meet growing demands for victim services. The allocations represent a comprehensive effort to strengthen support networks and provide resources to survivors across the region.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.