WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bob Casey announced today that $298,192 in federal funding has been awarded to Hebrew Immigration and Aid Society and Council Migration Services (HIAS) in Philadelphia by the Department of Justice (DOJ). This grant is provided through the Enhance Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services for Victims of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program.
Last month, Senator Casey sent a letter to the DOJ Office of Violence Against Women Acting Director Catherine Pierce asking her to fund HIAS.
“[W]ith this funding, HIAS and Council Migration Service intends to create a partnership with Pennsylvania domestic violence programs in order to offer expanded services to immigrant victims of domestic violence,” wrote Senator Casey.
“HIAS and Council of Philadelphia would use its pre-existing partnerships with the immigrant community and expanded partnerships with domestic violence programs to assist these underserved victims,” he continued.
The program is estimated to help 180 women each year. Senator Casey also expressed support for HIAS’ plan to train pro-bono attorneys for domestic violence victim representation.
This federal funding is made available by the DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women. The program is designed to address language and communication barriers that may arise during criminal investigations.
More information on the funding is available here.
The full text of the letter is below:
Dear Ms. Pierce:
It is my understanding that the HIAS and Council Migration Service of Philadelphia has applied for a grant through the Culturally and Linguistically Specific Services Program, as authorized by the Office of Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice (OVW-2009-2043). The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
I have been informed that with this funding, HIAS and Council Migration Service intends to create a partnership with Pennsylvania domestic violence programs in order to offer expanded services to immigrant victims of domestic violence. I have been advised that the program expects to assist approximately 180 immigrant victims each year. I have been further advised this program will sustain services in the future by training pro-bono attorneys for domestic violence victim representation. As it appears, HIAS and Council of Philadelphia would use its pre-existing partnerships with the immigrant community and expanded partnerships with domestic violence programs to assist these underserved victims.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff at (215) 405-9660.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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