In a special ceremony yesterday at the State Capitol, Governor Sonny Perdue spotlighted a grant to the CASA of Houston County program in the amount of $18,557.
The CASA of Houston County Program provides court-sanctioned, community-based programs that provide trained and supervised volunteers to advocate for the best interest of abused and neglected children.
Governor Perdue said, "CASA of Houston County is a wonderful example of a community responding to serve Georgia's most vulnerable citizens - abused and neglected children."
The award is part of the 2004 Victims of Crime Act Formula Grant Program (VOCA). The purpose of the grant is to improve the functioning of the criminal justice system with an emphasis on serving the needs of victims of violent crimes. The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) administers the VOCA Grant Program.
CJCC Deputy Director Dianne Williams said, “The VOCA Grant Program provides vital support to state, local, and private non-profit programs such as the CASA of Houston County Program throughout Georgia.”
The VOCA program provides funds to benefit children’s advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, Court Appointed Special Advocate programs, and victim witness assistance programs. The federal government awards the grant to CJCC on behalf of the State of Georgia for distribution to victim services providers across Georgia. All recipients must provide direct services to victims of crime. In addition, the grant program fosters a level of community involvement by requiring a 20% match of each applicant.
“Residents of Houston County can be proud of the CASA Program. The CASA of Houston County program staff works tirelessly to assist innocent child victims of crime and their non-offending caregivers,” said Williams.
(Left to Right) Deputy Director Dianne Williams, CJCC; Ms. Victoria Brunning, CASA Supporter; Mr. Scott Cross, CASA Volunteer; Mr. Joseph DiDiego, CASA Supporter; Governor Sonny Perdue; Executive Director Terry DiDiego, CASA of Houston County; Board Chair Joseph Esposito, CASA of Houston County; Ms. Dolly Esposito, CASA Supporter; Ms. Anne DiDiego, CASA Office Volunteer.
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