Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – The Schuylkill Hope Center has been awarded a state grant for $689,070 from the Violence Intervention and Prevention program to support their efforts in protecting victims of domestic abuse from gun violence. This grant was announced by Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) on April 3, 2024.

Richard F. Wojciechowsky, the Executive Director of the Schuylkill Hope Center, expressed the urgent need for this funding, stating, “Tragically, gun violence is as prevalent in domestic violence situations as it currently is in all of society.” Wojciechowsky also highlighted the concerning statistic that “in 2022 67% of Pennsylvania Domestic Violence homicide victims died from an offender’s use of a firearm.”

Wojciechowsky emphasized the significance of the grant, stating, “This grant will allow Schuylkill Hope Center to aggressively advocate for domestic violence victims in a new way by concentrating on the reduction of gun violence incidents.” He also praised the support from local lawmakers, noting, “Sen. Argall and all our county’s state house representatives are allies of our Executive Director and active supporters of the agency because they not only care about each domestic abuse victim, but they also realize the negative impact domestic abuse has on Schuylkill County as a whole.”

Sen. Argall commended the Schuylkill Hope Center for their dedication, saying, “The Schuylkill Hope Center has worked for decades to help our most vulnerable friends and neighbors escape from and cope with terrifying situations.” He added, “This highly competitive grant funding is well-deserved and will aid them with their important work for the Schuylkill County community.”

Rep. Twardzik echoed these sentiments, describing the Schuylkill Hope Center as “a beacon of hope, dedicated to shielding victims from the deadly convergence of abuse and firearms.” He highlighted the grant's role in strengthening the center's initiatives and reinforcing a commitment to community safety. Twardzik also expressed his appreciation for Sen. Argall’s efforts in securing the vital funding.

The grant, awarded through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s School Safety and Security Committee, signifies a significant step in enhancing support for domestic abuse victims in Schuylkill County. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, the Schuylkill Hope Center’s 24/7 hotline can be reached at 570-622-6220 or 800-282-0634, or you can text HOPELINE to 20121 to speak with an agency representative.

For media inquiries, please contact Jim Brugger at 717-787-2637.