Salina Post
Two Salina organizations have been awarded state funding through the Governor's office, as part of the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grant.
Governor Kelly announced on January 7 that over $10.4 million in federal VOCA grant funding will be awarded to 64 community-based organizations and local and state agencies.
The VOCA grant funding comes from the Federal Crime Victims Fund, which is financed by fines and penalties from convictions in federal cases.
Those organizations include Child Advocacy & Parenting Services (CAPS) and Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas (DVACK).
DVACK was awarded $369,402 and CAPS $67,677.
"This funding is essential to CAPS being able to provide services to children and families in our community," said Executive Director, Paul Forrester.
A portion of these funds are used for Chris’s Place Child Advocacy Center and allows the organization to conduct forensic interviews for law enforcement and the Department of Children and Families.
The other portion will fund their Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Program, providing advocacy and guidance for youth in the Foster Care system.
"The grant provides just a small portion of the funding necessary to fund both programs, and the funding provided has been continually declining over the past several years resulting in CAPS becoming more and more dependent on private donations and fundraising," said Forrester.
For more info about CAPS, click here.
For DVACK, the grant will enable the organization to provide comprehensive, high-quality services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and elder abuse. The funding supports immediate response services that address both the emotional and physical needs of survivors, as well as ongoing support to help victims stabilize their lives in the aftermath of crime.
In addition to direct services for primary and secondary victims, DVACK will conduct outreach presentations throughout the service area to identify and connect with crime victims who may need assistance.
"This funding allows us to continue our mission of providing immediate, compassionate support when victims need it most," said Andrea Quill, CEO of DVACK. "By investing in both our services and our staff, we're ensuring that every person who comes to us receives the comprehensive care they deserve as they work to rebuild their lives." DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.
Moreover, The grant includes a professional development component, providing training opportunities for DVACK personnel who deliver direct services to ensure the highest quality care for survivors.
DVACK serves victims of crime throughout North Central Kansas, offering emergency shelter, advocacy, counseling, and other essential services to those affected by violence.
For more info about DVACK, click here.
“The services these 64 organizations provide are essential to Kansans impacted by crime,” Governor Kelly said. “This crucial funding is vital to these organizations’ ability to continue providing the assistance crime victims and survivors need as they rebuild their lives, navigate the criminal justice system, and regain a sense of normality.”
The grant funds are made available through the Office for Victims of Crime, a key component of the Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice.
A total of $10,484,525 was awarded to 64 organizations across the state.