By Bay City News
Two organizations that work to assist victims of violence and human trafficking in Contra Costa County have been awarded $700,000 in federal funds this week, according to a U.S. Congressman. U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Contra Costa County, said $400,000 of the grant will go to the Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department and $300,000 will go to STAND! For Families Free of Violence.
The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Victims of Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women awarded the grants. "The investments we make in these programs today will pay dividends for years to come in a safer, less violent community for all residents," Miller said in a statement Wednesday. The Contra Costa County Employment and Human Services Department plans to use the funds to provide high-quality comprehensive services to victims of human trafficking, as well as bolster interagency coordination to provide services to victims, according to Miller. Gloria J. Sandoval, the CEO of STAND! For Families Free of Violence, said the funds awarded to her organization would provide safe housing for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking.
Sandoval said the funds will be used to help individuals and families identify educational, vocational and permanent housing opportunities. The funds will also provide specialized case management and support to victims in the community. According to Sandoval, the award comes at a time when funding for supportive services has declined sharply.
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