Carlisle, PA – January 11, 2021:  The G.B. Stuart Charitable Foundation recently awarded $15,000 to Domestic Violence Services of Cumberland & Perry Counties (DVSCP) to aid the agency in providing vital services during the pandemic. 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, but more so for those who were forced to stay home with an abuser.

Since the start of the pandemic, DVSCP has faced the unexpected and unbudgeted costs of moteling clients rather than bringing them into the communal living space of the emergency shelter.  In the first quarter last year, DVSCP sheltered 29 people; this year we have moteled 73, a 151% increase.  Advocates anticipate this number will continue to rise with the resurge in cases.

“This past year has been difficult.  The agency has had to adjust how it provides each service, while remaining open and operable.  With shelter requests on the rise, this money was a welcomed gift that will help those in our community fleeing violent homes,” commented Barbara Kohutiak, DVSCP Executive Director.  “We are grateful to the GB Stuart Foundation for recognizing how important our services are, now more than ever.”

The agency has remained on the frontlines throughout the pandemic and has seen increases in each service it provides. For more information on how you can help, please visit www.dvscp.org/donate or call 717-258-4806.