July 31, 2006
People Inc. Receives Grant from Crime Victims Board
Grant Will Continue Crime Program for Three More Years
BUFFALO, N.Y., July 31, 2006: Enhanced services and more staff will soon be available to help victims of crime. People Inc.’s Neighborhood Information Center Crime Victims Assistance Program was awarded $549,283 for the period of October 1, 2006 through September 30, 2009 by the New York State Crime Victims Board. This is an increase of approximately $75,000 in grant funds, which will help to enhance services and provide additional staff hours.
As part of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, People Inc. will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. at the Neighborhood Information Center office, 1170 Broadway in Buffalo. The press conference will announce the collaboration between People Inc. and the Neighborhood Information Center, as well as inform the community on how the grant funds will be utilized and show how security cameras are being used to provide general surveillance of the area surrounding the Neighborhood Information Center office. These security cameras will provide video footage that may be helpful to police enforcement in the apprehension of criminals. Additionally, Fillmore District Councilmember David Franczyk will be present to speak about the issues facing the Broadway/Fillmore community. Franczyk shared, “It is important for us to protect all members of our society. This exciting announcement by People Inc. and Neighborhood Information Center will allow us to do that, especially for our seniors in the community that are the most vulnerable.”
People Inc. looks forward to putting the grant funds to good use. According to People Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer, James M. Boles, Ed.D., “The grant award comes at a critical time in light of the recent burglaries occurring in the Broadway/Fillmore neighborhood.”
Awarded grants were based on a commitment by the Crime Victims Board to support direct person services. The New York State Crime Victims Board conducted a Request for Proposal for victim assistance program grants with an emphasis on support for direct personal services to assist underserved victims of crime for program grants beginning on October 1, 2006.
People Inc.’s Neighborhood Information Center Crime Victims Assistance Program is a state funded program to help innocent victims of crime and their families. The program provides assistance to victims of crime through court escorts and information and referrals. In order to receive state compensation victims have to be physically injured as a result of a crime. If not injured they have to be under 18, 60 or over, or disabled. Eligible participants can be compensated for such expenses as funeral, medical and counseling expenses, and lost wages. For more information on People Inc.’s Crime Victims Assistance Program call 897-4100 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to at least 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.
Kevin Horrigan
Public Affairs Director
Direct Line: (716) 817-7475
Cellular: (716) 866-5893
