SCCFF receives grant for 40K
THOMPSON FALLS – Recently a local organization benefited from a grant that aims to help prevent juvenile delinquency, violence against women and children, while also providing funding for regional drug task forces.
The Sanders County Coalition for Families received over $40,000 from the Montana Board of Crime Control to help aid their mission.
In all, $4 million in grants was awarded by MBCC to local and state governmental agencies, law enforcement agencies and community organizations in order to help provide resources to help decrease crime and expand both criminal and juvenile justice services within Montana.
Nintey-four programs benefited from the grant and SCCFF was the only one in Sanders County to receive any grant money.
“One of the most important duties of government is to protect its citizens and ensure public safety,” MBCC Chairperson Laura Obert said in a press release. “We continue to award this critical funding to help alleviate the economic strain that otherwise would have been placed on local governments.”
The money is allocated as a resource to help better communities throughout Montana, while improving the administration of justice in numerous ways, stated a press release. The grants are allocated as state and federal funds to victims, victim service providers, and criminal and juvenile justice agencies.
In all, almost $228,000 was awarded to sexual assault victim services, while nearly $106,000 was awarded to domestic violence intervention and over $803,000 towards violence against women programs. Crime victim services received nearly $1,706,000 in funds, while drug task forces were allocated over $860,000 and juvenile services was awarded approximately $362,000.
“These grants help to ensure the continued strength of law enforcement efforts to reduce drug trafficking, sales, and increase prosecution of these crimes, including helping to protect drug endangered children,” said MBCC Executive Director Brooke Marshall.
SCCFF was awarded underneath the category of victims of crime assistance and was among 38 other organizations who were awarded funds within the categorization.
SCCFF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a safe place for victims or survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The organization, which was established in 1993, provides multiple services including a 24 hour crisis help line, peer crisis counseling, emergency legal advocacy, transitional housing and transportation, among other services.
The Montana Board of Crime Control is the designated state agency that annually administers millions of grant dollars dedicated to preventing crime and making justice system improvements statewide. The 18-member board, appointed by Gov. Steve Bullock, represents law enforcement, criminal and juvenile justice system stakeholders, tribal communities and citizens. Board members provide critical leadership, oversight and accountability of systems charged with promoting justice and public safety.
SCCFF Executive Director Gayle Seratt did not return phone calls.