ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday morning announced that more than $13 million will go to a state program that supports nonprofits engaged in victim's services.
According to a release from the Governor's Office, $13.2 million in remaining American Rescue Plan funds will go to the state Criminal Justice Coordinal Council's Victim's Services grant program.
The release said the grant program "supports nonprofit organizations who experienced economic hardship as a result of the pandemic." The additional funding is intended to "provide continued assistance to over 200 non-profit organizations and local governments that offer services to victims across the state which would've been negatively impacted."
Organizations that benefit from the funding, the Governor's Office said, include "domestic violence shelters, domestic violence community-based programs, sexual assault centers, human trafficking programs, child advocacy centers, court appointed special advocates, culturally specific programs, hospital-based violence intervention programs, elder abuse programs, and prosecution-based victim-witness assistance programs."
The governor highlighted cuts to the federal Crime Victims Fund as a reason for the additional $13.2 million going to the state program.
“Once again, the federal government is failing to deliver on promises made to the people of Georgia," Gov. Kemp said in a statement. "While the Biden administration has made the unfortunate decision to shortchange victims of violent crime, I’m proud that the state is able to step in, fund this vital program, and provide the support these individuals need."
News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.
