WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced $1,185,366 in competitive grants to invest in the local justice system in Akron. The federal funds, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 are allocated through the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program.
“This is a vital investment in the safety and well-being of the Akron community,” Brown said. “It’s critical that local justice systems have the resources necessary to protect and support all Ohioans.”

According to the DOJ, The Recovery Act Edward Byrne Memorial Competitive Grant Program (Byrne Competitive Program) will help communities: 1) prevent and reduce violent crime through community-based data-driven approaches; 2) provide funding for neighborhood-based probation and parole officers; 3) reduce mortgage fraud and crime related to vacant properties; 4) hire of civilian support personnel in law enforcement; 5) enhance forensic and crime scene investigations; 6) improve resources and services for victims of crime; 7) support problem-solving courts; and 8) develop national training and technical assistance partnerships.

More information about Akron’s two grant recipients is included below:
                                   
• Oriana House, INC Akron will receive $302,816 to launch an OHI Employment Readiness Center (ERC), which will address specialty court client and regional unemployment.

• Children’s Hospital of Akron will receive $882,550 to expand its Children At Risk Evaluation (C.A.R.E.) Center services to include trauma intervention services (TIS) for child crime victims.

For more information about recovery funding opportunities, please visit Brown’s recovery Web page HERE

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