Carlisle, PA – June 25, 2020: Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) was awarded a $10,000 grant from The Diocese of Harrisburg through its Matthew 25 Collection for food, clothing, and shelter. The grant will support DVSCP’s emergency shelter, which serves women, children, and men who are fleeing from violent homes.
The programs and services DVSCP offers are of critical importance to the community, especially in light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Many experts predicted cases of domestic violence to rise due to the ‘shelter-in-place’ and social distancing orders. The agency has been facing increased costs since the start of the pandemic due to hoteling those in danger instead of bringing them into the Shelter’s communal living space. This allows the agency to continue helping those in need while keeping staff and clients safe.
Because of COVID-19 and the issues it is causing throughout the community, the grants committee focused on awarding funds to organizations like DVSCP that are on the front lines providing services for those in need. The agency enjoyed working with Francis Viglietta, liaison to the grants committee. He worked with DVSCP’s Executive Director to better understand the agency’s mission and purpose. This is the second grant the agency has received from the Dioceses – the first was in 2018. Without these funds, many would be forced to remain in life-threatening home environments instead of working with agency staff to rebuild their lives. DVSCP is beyond grateful for this generous donation that will help staff serve countless survivors.