Harkins, Merski: More than $1.4 million to fund anti-crime, victim support and youth mentoring programs in Erie County
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins, Rep. Robert Merski December 9, 2020 | 5:30 PM
ERIE, Dec. 9 – Grant funding of $1.44 million will bolster programs and services to reduce crime, assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims and support at-risk youth in Erie County, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski, both D-Erie, announced today.
The lawmakers said the funding – administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency – includes seven grants to different county criminal justice and social service agencies and will work to improve the lives of those most in danger.
“We can’t all thrive as a community unless all of us are safe and free from harm,” Merski said. “The PCCD funding awarded today will help those most in need by providing services, justice, and a second chance at a normal life.”
Harkins said: “Victims of domestic violence and child abuse need a voice, and they get that through the terrific advocates who work for our agencies. This funding is going to help those workers provide the best possible support for those who are working to throw off trauma and regain strong, healthy lives.”
The grants will go to the following agencies and projects in the following amounts:
County Adult Probation and Parole Advisory Committee – improve adult probation services
Erie County Improvement of Adult Probation Services $463,030
Victims’ Services Advisory Committee - bolster services for domestic and sexual assault victims, including minor and at-risk youth
Children’s Advocacy Center of Erie County Inc. – Erie CAC VOCA Grant – $2,476
Crime Victim Center of Erie County Inc. – VOCA Victim Services & Sexual Assault Ext. – $426,881
Protection From Abuse Coordinated Services Inc. – Court Advocacy –$131,174
Safe Journey – Safe Journey Ext – $221,080
Safenet: Domestic Violence Safety Network Inc. – Project Protect – $100,601
State Children’s Advocacy Center Funds
Family Services of NW PA – Erie County Big Brothers Big Sisters – $99,992
The PCCD provides planning, coordination and technical assistance to the state’s criminal justice system and serves as a clearinghouse for state and federal grants to support criminal and juvenile justice.