Comitta secures $50K for Domestic Violence Center of Chester County

WEST CHESTER » The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County was recently awarded $50,000 in state grant funding for repairs to its independent housing program thanks to the work of state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-19th of West Chester.

The funds will support priority infrastructure repairs, including replacing siding and corner posts, to the non-profit organization’s Phase IV independent housing program.

“On behalf of survivors of domestic violence, I am extremely grateful to Senator Comitta for helping the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County secure a generous $50,000 grant,” said center CEO Dr. Dolly Wideman-Scott. “There are not many opportunities to apply for funding for our housing infrastructure repairs. Maintaining quality affordable housing for survivors of domestic violence is so critical; survivors and their children deserve to live in beautiful homes while addressing their experienced trauma. Along with housing, DVCCC provides wraparound services that facilitate a survivor’s ability to move forward and not return to an unsafe situation.”

The Phase IV program consists of 13 three-bedroom townhomes and four one-bedroom apartments available to eligible, income-verified participants and their families. Its goal is to help participants become self-sufficient by offering low monthly rental payments, financial counseling and goal-planning, and access to case management and all other center services. In addition, housing options are conveniently located near community services and public transportation.

“The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County provides vital resources and services to individuals and families recovering from domestic violence,” Comitta said. “By offering secure and stable housing options, DVCCC empowers survivors of domestic violence to pursue safe, healthy, happy, independent, and productive lives.

I’m proud to support funding for these much-needed renovations.”

The organization, which is currently marking its 46th year serving survivors of domestic violence and their families, aims to reduce, remedy, and prevent domestic violence in Chester County. Since 1976, DVCCC has served more than 40,000 survivors of domestic abuse, averaging more than 3,000 survivors, and their dependent children each year.

In addition to the Phase IV independent housing program, the center offers communal housing options through its emergency shelter and bridge transitional housing programs. Each program has its own case manager to provide services appropriate to those clients’ needs at the varying stages of separation from an abusive partner. In addition, the center makes life skills workshops available to all residents of its housing programs. These workshops cover topics including goal-setting, budgeting, saving, distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy relationships, and skills and techniques for effective parenting.

The center provides services at its main, confidentially located site and satellite sites in Coatesville, Kennett Square, Oxford, and Phoenixville. All services and free and confidential. Services are currently available in-person or virtually. They are also available in English and Spanish.

For more information on any of the center’s housing programs, or to learn more about eligibility requirements and to apply please contact DVCCC at 610-431-3546 and dial option “1” for Counseling and Housing.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call DVCCC’s 24-hour, free hotline 888-711-6270 or 610431-1430. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. If you cannot call, you can text 911 if you are in Chester County.

Learn more about the Domestic Violence Center of Chester County, including opportunities to volunteer and support, at www. dvcccpa.org.