Ciresi announces security grants for two Pottstown nonprofits

POTTSTOWN, March 10 – A pair of Pottstown nonprofits will receive funding for security enhancements, state Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, announced Wednesday.

The YWCA Tri-County Area will receive $12,995, and Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos will receive $10,000 in state Nonprofit Security Grant Fund Program funding via the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, part of over $5 million divvied among 130 churches, synagogues and other organizations serving diverse communities across Pennsylvania. 

“Both of these organizations serve as gems in our communities, lifting up those in need by embracing diversity and offering various programs to strengthen the greater Pottstown area,” Ciresi said. “Enhancing the security through this funding means increased safety for the members and staff.”

The Nonprofit Security Grant Fund, administered by the PCCD, was established in 2019 after the Tree of Life shootings in Pittsburgh in October 2018. Ciresi voted for the bill establishing the program, which is in its second year awarding funding to nonprofits across the commonwealth.

“We are thrilled about this opportunity to enhance security at our Pottstown buildings to improve the safety of our children, adults and staff,” said Stacey Woodland, chief executive officer of the YWCA Tri-County Area.

“Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos is honored to receive a grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency,” said Rita Paez, executive director and founder of the CCLU. “We look forward to working with them in assuring the safety of the Latino community of the Greater Pottstown Area.”

The funding is designed to protect the safety and security of organizations via the following:

  • Safety and security planning and training.
  • Purchase of safety and security equipment.
  • Purchase of security-related technology.
  • Threat awareness and response training.
  • Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security.
  • Vulnerability and threat assessments.
  • Specialty-trained canines.

More information is available by contacting Ciresi’s office at 484-200-8265.