Shusterman announces more than $70,000 in security grants

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    April 14, 2022 | 1:20 PM

HARRISBURG, April 14 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, announced today two Nonprofit Security Grants totaling $70,737 have been awarded to the Islamic Society of Greater Valley Forge ($45,757) and the Congregation B’NAI JACOB in Phoenixville ($24,980).

“I have met with religious leaders throughout the district, many of whom have expressed concerns about the rise in targeted violence in places of worship in recent years,” Shusterman said. “Ensuring safe and free worship for my constituents is a priority of mine. I am proud to bring this state funding to our area to ensure everyone has the freedom to worship in a safe and secure setting.”

The grants, administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, fund security enhancement projects for churches, synagogues and other nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities across the commonwealth. The funds may be used for the following:

  • Safety and security planning.
  • Purchase of safety and security equipment.
  • Purchase of security-related technology, including, but not limited to, metal detectors, protective lighting, surveillance equipment, special emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, deadbolts, trauma kits and theft-control devices.
  • Safety and security training.
  • Threat awareness and response training.
  • Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security.
  • Vulnerability and threat assessments.
  • Specialty-trained canines.
  • Any other safety- or security-related project that enhances safety or security of the nonprofit organization.

The grant program was established in 2019 after the Tree of Life shootings in Pittsburgh in October 2018.

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