BERLIN — Several nonprofit groups got a fiscal shot in the arm this week when Gov. Larry Hogan announced over $10 million in grants.
Hogan on Monday announced $10 million in federal grants will be awarded to state and local nonprofit organizations that provide assistance, services, counseling and treatment for citizens who have been victims of crime. The grants are funded through the federal Victims of Crime Assistance Program and administered by the state through the Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention. The funds will be used to support crisis intervention, counseling, emergency transportation to court, temporary housing, criminal justice support and advocacy.
“One of our duties as citizens of this great state is to watch out for each other,” said Hogan. “I can think of no higher calling than to ensure victims of crime are cared for with dignity and respect. Making sure they have access to the necessary services is essential to our goal of safe neighborhoods for every family in Maryland.”
Grants are awarded to organizations that provide direct services to a wide array of crime victims. These agencies include sexual assault and rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs and shelters, child abuse programs, mental health services and programs for underserved victims.
“Victims of crime often suffer for a long time,” said GOCCP Executive Director Christopher Shank. “The trauma of the crime itself can have far-reaching effects, leading to a sense of isolation and a loss of a sense of normalcy. As a state, we have a moral duty to reach out to crime victims, treat them with compassion and offer them a full range of services to help them regain their footing and take the steps they need to heal after their trauma.”
Several Lower Shore crime victim support agencies are in line for a share of the $10 million in federal grants. In Worcester, the Cricket Center is scheduled to receive $27,577 for its victims of child abuse programs, while Worcester County Youth and Family Counseling Services is set to receive $30,962 for its child abuse advocacy programs.
Wicomico County will see even greater benefits from the Victims of Crime Assistance grants announced this week. For example, the Life Crisis Center in Wicomico will get a $155,999 grant for its women’s services program and another $138,528 for its children’s trauma programs. In addition, the Wicomico County Department of Social Services will receive a $122,400 grant for its victim advocacy and information referral services.