SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey is distributing $8.2 million in grants to combat violence throughout the state — the largest investment in its history.
Twenty-five community-based violence intervention organizations will benefit from the funds. One in Burlington County received $200,000.
“When I first found out, my joints didn’t even work,” said Cara Tircich, marketing director for Safe Way Out in Mount Laurel. “I just was laying on the ground, I was so excited, so happy.”
Safe Way Out was founded by a former Marine and security expert, who were determined to help victims of domestic abuse better secure their homes. Since it became clear that there’s a need for their services for other victims of violence, Tircich said they will help anyone who needs it.
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“Anybody who is living in fear of a violent abuser, we will go to their house, do a security evaluation, outfit their house completely for free with an assortment of different security devices based on their needs, both high tech and low tech,” she said.
Tircich met with leaders from other grant recipients to share stories and make connections, which she said will make it possible to help even more people.
“Having our name out there, we’re going to be able to expand our volunteer program,” she added. “We’re going to be able to get the help that we need in other areas as well, because before, nobody knew who we were.”
Other recipients in the South Jersey region include:
Mighty Writers, Camden ($500,000)
Advocacy Foundation, Inc., Atlantic County ($365,758)
Center For Family Services, Inc., Camden ($245,008)
Life Worth Living, Inc., Bridgeton ($430,885)
United Advocacy Group, Inc., Bridgeton ($261,310)
The Alcove Center for Grieving Children and Families, Inc., Galloway ($52,545)
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The state also pledged $7 million of American Rescue Plan funds for gunshot detection technology and other law enforcement equipment to reduce gun violence.