Madden, Probst tout funding for women’s reentry, other safety/security programs

Rep. Maureen E. Madden, Rep. Tarah Probst    December 20, 2022 | 2:15 PM

HARRISBURG, Dec. 20 – State Rep. Maureen Madden and Rep.-elect Tarah Probst praised the commonwealth’s investment in family and community this week after the recent announcement of various funding for Monroe County through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The Poconos region legislators touted more than $4.2 million in funding, which is detailed below, and wanted to emphasize Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Grants going to two local nonprofit organizations.

ECCR Group Inc., based out of East Stroudsburg, and Metamorphosis Women’s Empowerment Initiative were awarded $100,000 and $92,614, respectively, through this program championed by Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf.

That funding, stated ECCR founder Eugene Campbell and Metamorphosis founder Charece N. Sanders, will greatly help their organizations address participants’ unique needs as women, parents, partners, family caregivers and community members, empowering women who’ve been historically marginalized.

“I’ve been proud to work with Charece Sanders over the years on the tremendous work she does through Metamorphosis,” said Madden, who is chair of the PA House Democratic Caucus’ Northeast Delegation. “I proudly fight with her in her efforts to educate and empower women. And having recently been introduced to Eugene Campbell, I am excited to uplift his efforts, too, to make our communities better.”

Added Probst, who was Stroudsburg mayor until her November election to represent the 189th Legislative District: “I know the power of community and the power of organization, and I am encouraged every day by the tireless work of people like Charece and Eugene. I am also grateful to my friend, Representative Madden, for her efforts on the state funding side, and I look forward to also working with these organizations to ensure they’re operating in a way that best serves their participants.”

Increased focus on mental health, physical health and hygiene, transportation and communication, and expansion of pantry services are among the priorities for Metamorphosis with this funding, Sanders said.

“Our Rebirth Project for the Poconos was created to provide a safe space for women who were previously incarcerated and/or in long-term recovery to receive support, empowerment and resources to assist them through their personal journeys of recovery and reentry,” Sanders said. “By providing services that address food insecurities, employment assistance, mental health and more, we look to reduce the potential for recidivism and relapses related to a lack of resources and support systems.”

Of the funding that ECCR will receive, Campbell said, “We believe everyone needs a second chance. More importantly, they need opportunities to be trained and earn a living, empowering them to stand on their own and become self-sufficient.”

A full list of recent PCCD funding announced for Monroe County recipients follows:

  • Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program
    • Pocono Mountain Regional Police Commission: $2,081,490 – Upgrade mobile audio and video recording system, forensic crime scene scanner, mobile data terminals for patrol fleet, and more.
    • Pocono Township: $168,276 – Body-worn and in-car cameras.
    • Stroud Area Regional Police Department: $1,184,150 – Data center/server, desktop computers, mobile data terminals, in-car cameras and printers, laptops, body-worn cameras, street cameras, drone and associated software, and more.
  • Gun Violence Investigation & Prosecution Grant Program
    • Monroe County Commissioners: $50,000 – Create a Gun Violence Prevention Strategic Plan.
  • Women’s Reentry Services Initiative
    • ECCR Group Inc.: $100,000.
    • Metamorphosis Women’s Empowerment Initiative: $92,614.
  • State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds
    • CAC of Monroe County: $47,000 – Provide CAC services to the child victims and non-offending caregivers, promote community awareness on issues related to child abuse, and more.
  • Federal Victims of Crimes Act, State Rights and Services Act, and State Victims of Juvenile Offenders funds
    • Monroe County Commissioners: $329,120 – Ensuring crime victims whose cases are prosecuted within the criminal and juvenile courts receive all protections, rights, and services to which they are entitled under the law.
  • Nonprofit Security Grant Program for safety and security planning, equipment, technology, training, structural upgrades, vulnerability and threat assessments, and more.
    • Congregation Bnai Harem: $24,000.
    • Congregation Ohn Menachem, Chabad Yeshiva of The Poconos: $150,000.
    • The Jewish Resource Center of the Poconos Inc.: $25,000.