Will County Board OKs Grant for Children's Advocacy Center

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Board recently voted unanimously to increase funding for the Children’s Advocacy Center.

The money comes from a grant the center received from the Department of Justice, called the The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant. It will go into effect for the FY2017 budget, according to local officials.

“The Children’s Advocacy Center’s work is essential, and we were more than happy to approve further funds for its good work,” said Will County Board minority leader Herb Brooks (D-Joliet). “As a member on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board, I know that every penny is well spent on programs for children that need help.”

The Children’s Advocacy Center was awarded $151,204 through the VOCA Grant. Both Brooks and Will County Board Member Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen) sit on the Children’s Advocacy Center’s board.

“Children, especially those that have experienced some sort of trauma, sometimes don’t know how to express what they need and seek help,” said Fricilone. “That’s why the Center’s work is so important. It gives a voice to those who need it most.”

The Children’s Advocacy Center is a nonprofit that works with children who have been sexually or physically abused, or who have witnessed a violent crime. Each year, the Center serves more than 450 new children. It was first opened in 1995.

“These additional funds will allow the Children's Advocacy Center to expand critical services for sexually abused children throughout Will County who turn to us for hope, healing, justice,” said State's Attorney Jim Glasgow, who founded the Center in 1995 and chairs its Board of Directors. “I would like to thank the Board for its approval and continuous support of our mission.”

Image via Children's Advocacy Center