Sojourner House receives $1.1M in federal grants to support abuse victims

PROVIDENCE – Sojourner House announced Thursday that the organization received two federal grants totaling $1.1 million to help expand services for victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault.

The organization said one grant, a three-year, $723,619 award, will be used to enhance victims’ access to diverse and comprehensive services that victims of labor and sex trafficking require to address their multiple needs. This initiative will focus on underserved cities of Providence, Central Falls and Woonsocket, Sojourner House said.

The other grant, totaling around $380,000, will be utilized to increase the availability of accessible victim-centered, trauma-informed services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Sojourner House said the grant will also support collaborative efforts between the organization and the Tri-County Community Action Agency on assisting victims who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.

“Victims of violence and abuse often need comprehensive support because of the severe trauma they’ve experienced,” U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said in a statement. “From safe housing, to substance abuse counseling, to financial education, Sojourner House will be able to provide victims a much-needed helping hand in rebuilding their lives.”

- Advertisement -

Sojourner House Executive Director Vanessa Volz said in a statement the funding “will significantly help improve and expand the state’s coordinated efforts to help trafficking victims secure housing, address trauma, and pursue a life free from abuse.”

James Bessette is the PBN special projects editor, and also covers the nonprofit and education sectors. You may reach him at Bessette@PBN.com. You may also follow him on Twitter at @James_Bessette.