We are thrilled and honored to share the news that The Community Foundation has awarded Safe Harbor $25,000 in their third and final celebratory 25th anniversary grant. This generous grant supports the expansion of our forensics program.
Expansion of forensic services is another step in the development of Safe Harbor as a community serving organization. “This expansion will produce a significant, lasting impact on accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability of critical community services”, Elizabeth McNally, Executive Director.
By providing additional resources and support for the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases, the grant will enhance accessibility to specialized and timely services for children and caregivers who have experienced abuse. This will ensure that vulnerable children have access to the support they need to begin healing and moving forward with their lives, regardless of their socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, or other factors.
The addition of forensic interviewers will increase the diversity of the staff providing forensic services, which will enhance inclusivity. This ensures that children from diverse backgrounds have access to interviewers who are culturally and linguistically competent, which can increase trust and improve the quality of the interview process.
Through this expansion of space and personnel, we anticipate that by the end of 2024, the number of children provided forensic services at Safe Harbor will increase by 30%. We are committed to working with partners to address child abuse in our community, and this expansion is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
“We congratulate the other two grantees, The Oberle Academy and Rappahannock CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Inc., on their awards and are grateful for the critical work they do on behalf of children and youth in our community”, said McNally.
You can see more about the foundation’s 25th Anniversary Grant – Education, Health & Human Services program and awardees here.
This project is made possible by a grant from the 25th Anniversary Grant – Education, Heath & Human Services program of The Community Foundation.
