FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2002
CONTACT: Sid Gaulden, (803) 896-8755

HODGES AWARDS GRANTS TO ASSIST CRIME VICTIM

SERVICE AGENCIES STATEWIDE

COLUMBIA - Gov. Jim Hodges has announced grant awards to 11 cities, counties, state agencies and non-profit organizations statewide to assist crime victims. The grants will fund victim service agencies statewide, working in a collaborative effort to provide comprehensive resources for crime victims. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety, Office of Justice Programs, will administer the grants on behalf of the Governor’s Office.

“I am proud of the victim advocates that work so diligently to see that all victims of crime are afforded their Constitutional Rights,” Gov. Hodges said. “With the current economic problems facing the state, as well as the nation, I am glad to know that innocent victims will continue to receive the services they need.”

The grants will be used to aid programs in continuing to implement and support the South Carolina Victims Constitutional Amendment by providing crisis intervention, criminal justice support, and advocacy for victims of violent crimes. This represents a portion of awards totaling $332,642 from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, to South Carolina for the Federal Fiscal Year 1999 and Federal Fiscal Year 2000. The following received grants:

Private Non-profit Agencies:

Palmetto Richland Memorial Equipment for SANE Program $29,000
Columbia    
The Nancy K. Perry Children’s Shelter Safe Transportation 32,000
Lexington    
Sexual Trauma & Counseling Center Sexual Assault Equipment 7,695
Greenwood    
SC Centers of Equal Justice Training Equipment 7,932
Greenville    

Local Government Agencies:

Central Police Department Vehicle 26,000
Central    
Clemson Police Department Law Enforcement Victim Services 25,360
Clemson    
Forest Acres Police Department Victim Services Information Management 2,400
Forest Acres    
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office Equipment 39,538
Greenville    
     
State Agencies:    
MUSC Department of OB/GYN Forensic Examination Equipment 28,845
Charleston    
SC Department of Juvenile Justice IVIS 59,072
Columbia    
SC Department of Probation, Parole & Pardon Services Spanish Brochures & Equipment 74,800
Columbia    

-- 30 --

OJP/JB/18/2002

-Back-