County Board approves agreements for several Crime Prevention Strategies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

December 20, 2023

Contact: Danielle Grindle

Phone: (815) 319-4233

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – The Winnebago County Board unanimously approved two resolutions authorizing sub-recipients for recent grants awarded to Winnebago County, which both support crime reduction initiatives for at-risk individuals in our community.

Winnebago County currently serves as the fiscal agent for the U.S. Department of Justice Northern District of Illinois "Project Safe Neighborhoods" initiative. Launched in 2001, the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program is a nationwide effort that brings together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officials, prosecutors, community leaders and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in a community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. In Winnebago County, the YMCA of Rock River Valley has agreed to oversee the implementation and continuation of PSN initiatives. The $132,171.00 in grant funding will allow for the continuation of prevention efforts targeted towards youth ages 7- 17 who have been victims of and witnesses to domestic or sexual violence.

The Chairman's Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives also received board approval to accept an award from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) in the amount of $282,538.00 for the Violent Crime Reduction in Illinois Communities (VCRIC) program. This funding will allow for Winnebago County to enter into a sub-agreement with Goodwill Industries to provide Navigator services for moderate and high-risk individuals experiencing reentry in Winnebago County. The award provides funding for Navigator services during evening and weekend hours, when many services are closed but the need remains.

"We are looking forward to continuing this much-needed programming, and appreciate both Goodwill and the YMCA for stepping into these roles and providing a seamless transition," said Marlana Dokken, Director of the Chairman's Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives.

All new grant awards require approval through their respective Committees prior to presenting for Board approval. Those requiring a budget modification must also be approved by the Finance Committee.

The next Winnebago County Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024.

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