Funding announced to support victims of abuse in religious institutions
The Pathways Foundation announced new funding on Friday from the province and the St. John’s Edge basketball team.
Founded by clergy abuse survivor Gemma Hickey, Pathways aims to support victims of abuse in religious institutions.
At the Delta hotel in St. John’s, Pathways announced it is receiving $1,000 from the provincial government and $1,500 from the St. John’s Edge.
According to a news release, the funding will be used to develop “a support group to assist survivors who have been harmed within religious institutions.”
Minister of Justice and Public Safety Andrew Parsons said a priority for the department is to ensure the justice system works for everyone, particularly victims.
“For survivors of sexual violence, it can be hard to put the pieces back together. The experience can be life altering and the impact is profound,” Parsons stated in the release. “We are pleased to support Pathways … to assist the important work they do.”
St. John’s Edge assistant general manager Trevor Murphy was also quoted in the release, stating the team hopes “our support of this initiative will assist with the important efforts of the Pathways Foundation.”
Hickey said the support group will “help survivors take additional steps on the long road towards healing.”
Pathways also unveiled a new logo, promotional video and resource website at www.pathways-foundation.com.