$3.5M Awarded To Delaware County Aid Groups

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Nearly $3.5 million in state grant funding has been awarded to various organizations in Delaware County that aim to support crime victims, children, and justice-involved people with substance use disorders, while strengthening local justice system services.

The funding was approved this week by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and announced Friday by the Pennsylvania House Democratic Delaware County Delegation.

Below are grant allocations to Delaware County groups:

• $736,372 to expand the Penn Trauma Violence Recovery Program to Delaware County while increasing community outreach and engagement through quarterly educational events in Philadelphia and Delaware County. Topics will include firearm safety, gun safe distribution, and Stop the Bleed training. The project will also strengthen partnerships with local organizations to support Delaware County residents treated at Penn, including joint case coordination and community events, as well as extend the successful housing support pilot program with HopePHL to assist up to 20 additional participants.
• $500,000 to the Public Health Management Corp. to expand access to evidence-based substance use disorder supports for justice-involved individuals in Delaware County, with a focus on opioid use disorder and stimulant use disorder.
• $50,000 to the Family Support Line of Delaware County to maintain services at children’s advocacy centers that support child victims of abuse and their families.
• $350,000 to the Chester Community Coalition (part of the Urban Affairs Coalition) to establish partnerships with up to six hospitals and trauma centers in neighboring communities, including Philadelphia, Media, Darby and Newark, Delaware, treating violently injured residents from Delaware County.
• $20,259 to the Delaware County Executive Director’s Office to maintain services at the county’s Juvenile Probation Offices, and $173,304 for the Victim Services Program.
• $97,918 to the Domestic Abuse Project of Delaware County for its Legal Advocacy Services, which help victims of crime navigate the legal system by providing court accompaniment, information, legal options, referrals and support.
• $175,576 to help the Delaware County Victim Assistance Center maintain its comprehensive direct services for any victim of sexual assault or other serious crime, and to significant people in the victim's life.
• $555,000 to support the county court system’s intermediate punishment treatment programs. These specialty courts support restrictive conditions imposed as part of county probation, aiming to divert individuals from county jail or state prison and provide necessary treatment for substance use or mental health disorders.
• $790,676 to reimburse the county for costs incurred by adult probation and parole services.

“When we invest in public safety, we make our communities stronger and healthier,” Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, said. “Resources for crime victims, programs for people with substance use disorders, and community initiatives to reduce gun violence are among the most effective ways we can work together to tackle violence in our state and community. These PCCD grants will go a long way toward creating a safer, healthier place to live.”

“These wise investments will provide a better future for some of our county’s most vulnerable,” State Rep. Carol Kazeem said. “From expanding trauma services and substance use disorder treatment programs to supporting domestic violence survivors and other crime victims, these grants will provide critical lifelines to residents and help them build productive, independent lives.”

“Our community relies on these dollars, and I’m pleased to see Delaware County receive them,” State Rep. Jennifer O’Mara said. “These funds will support vital services for residents in times of crisis.”

“Thanks to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and local organizations on the front lines, Delaware County is becoming safer and more resilient,” State Rep. Lisa Borowski said. “These grants are designed to ‘help the helpers’ provide neighbors with the support they need to heal from trauma, access critical services, and find the stability and hope essential to preventing crime before it starts.”

“This funding is a lifeline for the outstanding programs here in Delco that stand with community members during some of the most difficult times of their lives,” State Rep. Gina H. Curry said. “Facing substance abuse, escaping domestic violence, or the aftermath of trauma is overwhelming, and recovering from all types of traumas are heavy burdens to carry alone. We as a community have a responsibility to support our friends and neighbors in tough times. These grants make that possible by keeping these vital programs strong and able to deliver the critical support our county relies on every day.”

“These state grants will help build and strengthen the infrastructure that provides a safety net for our county’s most vulnerable,” State Rep. Heather Boyd said. “These are smart, strategic investments in Delaware County’s social needs.”

"When we invest in trauma services, victim supports, and treatment programs, we’re investing in safer, healthier communities," State Rep. Leanne Krueger said. "These grants will ensure that individuals and families in crisis have access to real, effective help. I’m grateful to all of our community partners whose dedication makes this work possible."