Schweyer, Schlossberg announce over $1.7M awarded to local criminal justice and victims’ programs

HARRISBURG, Dec. 9 – State Reps. Peter Schweyer and Mike Schlossberg, both D-Lehigh, today announced state funding totaling $1.73 million has been awarded to several local organizations to improve programs which support criminal justice and victims of abuse programs.  

“These programs go beyond keeping our communities safe,” Schweyer said. “They provide support and comfort to victims of abuse, young and old, every day. This funding ensures these unfortunate victims will have access to these services when they need them.”

"This is another critical investment for the people of Allentown," Schlossberg said. "I am pleased the PCCD acknowledged the hard work and dedication of these organizations and this money will help them continue to have the staff and the resources needed to continue improving our criminal justive system and supporting victims of abuse."

The grants awarded Wednesday in Lehigh County include:

  • Lehigh County Chief Executive Officer, $741,623 to help fund operations at Lehigh County Victim/Witness Unit; and $125,000 for the Lehigh County STOP Violence Against Women Program.
  • Crime Victims Council of Lehigh Valley, $239,570 for the Victims of Juvenile Offenders Program.
  • Lehigh Valley Hospital Inc., $46,992 to strengthen the John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center’s support of child victims of sexual and physical abuse.  
  • Lehigh County Probation, $573,536 to help fund operations.

The grants were approved during the commission’s quarterly meeting today.

PCCD provides planning, coordination and technical assistance to the state’s criminal justice system and serves as a clearinghouse for state and federal grants to support criminal and juvenile justice efforts.