$2.2 million awarded to reduce gun violence
Four organizations in Berks County have been awarded nearly $2.2 million in state grants to reduce gun violence.
Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday that the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded a total of $40 million in Violence Intervention and Prevention grants to 64 organizations across working to implement local and regional strategies that will decrease violent crime.
The following recipients were announced:
• Berks County Adult Probation and Parole Department — $950,000 to implement cognitive behavioral programming and evidence-based practices targeted toward people under supervision who were convicted of a firearm-related offense. The goal is to reduce firearm-related crime and the number of violent victimizations.
• Court Appointed Special
Advocates of Berks County — $139,319 to implement the Youth in Transition Counseling Program. Through the program, volunteer licensed mental health therapists will be recruited and connected directly with foster youth and former foster youth between the ages of 15 and 21 who are at risk of violence perpetration or victimization.
• Daniel Torres Hispanic Center — $792,517 to use evidence-based approaches to enhance positive parenting practices, expand positive youth development programming, provide wraparound services and generally provide more support to Latino youth and their families.
• The Camel Project — $273,829 to provide training sessions to educate and empower students, educators, families and community leaders about the dynamics and impacts of bullying. They will expand services provided at Reading School District’s Northwest Middle
School by hiring additional trainers and allotting more time overall to service delivery.
In a joint statement, state lawmakers Sen. Judy Schwank and Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz applauded the funding and praised the recipients for putting together strong applications.
“I’m proud to see Pennsylvania supporting groups in Berks County that are working hard to address violence in our community,” Schwank said. “This is an impressive group of award recipients, and I’m very grateful for all that they are doing to better the lives of others.”
Cepeda-Freytiz said these grants are vital investments in the safety and wellness of all Berks residents.
“It’s very encouraging to see our community receive the support it deserves, and I commend the dedication of the grant recipients for their commitment to addressing violence in our area,” she said.