Governor Laura Kelly announced on Monday more than $1.5 million will be given to 20 organizations to support efforts aimed at preventing family, domestic, and dating violence, providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence, and increasing safe parenting time for non-custodial parents with their children. This funding comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) and the State Access and Visitation Program (SAVP).
“It is essential that those impacted by domestic violence have the support and resources needed to heal and rebuild their lives,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “These investments not only provide aid to survivors of domestic violence but also aim to prevent future incidents from occurring.”
The Family Crisis Center, which provides services in multiple counties throughout Central Kansas, will receive $60,561. Ellis County was awarded $80,356 for domestic and sexual violence services, and BrightHouse in Reno County was awarded $59,159.
The FVPSA grant funds enable organizations to deliver a wide range of services. These services include outreach and education aimed at preventing family violence, emergency shelter for victims and their dependents, support groups, crisis intervention services, advocacy for obtaining protection from abuse orders, court accompaniment, and transportation assistance. The funding also supports initiatives to spread awareness to schools, communities, and families on how to stop violence before it begins.
The SAVP grant funds provide critical funding to support children and families in need of supervised exchange or visitation services. They also enable programs to offer on-site as well as therapeutic supervision, monitored exchanges, referrals to additional resources, and educational parenting classes designed to strengthen family relationships.