Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG) Director Michelle Garcia announced the awarding of $24.5 million in grants to groups that provide services to crime victims, returning citizens, and work to reduce truancy and juvenile delinquency. The grants are awarded to over 60 community-based organizations and government agencies that provide services such as crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling and therapy, case management, and housing, as well as engagement services for students and their families. 

 

“Our hope is that a crime never happens, but when it does it is important that victims receive the services and support they need to heal and rebuild their lives,” said Mayor Bowser. “These funds will also assist in preventing crime by reducing recidivism and juvenile delinquency. 

The one-year awards are funded by a combination of local and federal dollars, including funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and National Institute of Justice. 

 

The grant awards include the following:

• Over $9 million to support services for victims of domestic and sexual violence;

• $3.8 million to organizations providing student and family engagement as part of the Show Up, Stand Out (SUSO) truancy reduction program;

• Over $1.2 million to provide reentry support and services to incarcerated and returning citizens;

• Nearly $1 million for services for victims of child abuse;

• More than $2 million to organizations primarily serving communities that include immigrants, youth, the Deaf and hard of hearing, and LGBTQ individuals; and 

• $358,000 to District government agencies for compliance with the Prison Rape Elimination Act and the Sex Offender Registry Notification Act.

 

OVSJG Director Garcia added “Our community has world-class continuums of care and we are pleased to provide funding to maintain and enhance those services. We look forward to working with grantees to provide the highest-quality services to those in need in the District.”

 

The Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants develops, funds, and coordinates programs that improve public safety; enhance the administration of justice; and create systems of care for crime victims, youth, and their families in the District. To accomplish its goals, the agency coordinates and funds community-based and District agency services for victims of crime and returning citizens. Additionally, OVSJG manages efforts that aim to reduce truancy in the District's public and charter schools, and supports juvenile diversion, mentoring, and gang intervention efforts. OVSJG also provides policy making expertise, advice, and counsel to the Executive on the role of victims and offenders in the criminal justice system, and evidence-based practices to respond to, intervene in, and prevent violence.

 

###

 

Social Media: 

 

Mayor Bowser Twitter: @MayorBowser

Mayor Bowser Instagram: @Mayor_Bowser 

Mayor Bowser Snapchat: @TeamMuriel 

Mayor Bowser Facebook: facebook.com/MayorMurielBowser

Mayor Bowser Website: mayor.dc.gov

 

OVSJG Twitter: @OVSJG_DC

Facebook: facebook.com/DCOVSJG

OVSJG Website: www.ovsjg.dc.gov