Larson Joins Community Partners to Announce $694K Grant to Help Victims of Gun Violence

Hartford, CT – on Monday, Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) joined representatives from Hartford Communities that Care, YWCA Hartford Region, Mothers United Against Violence and members of the Greater HartfordYouth Leadership Academy to announce $694,421 in federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds awarded to the YWCA. The grant will help the Hartford Crisis Response Team/Hospital Based Violence Intervention Program address violent crime in Hartford and its consequences.

"I'm so proud of this outstanding team led by the YWCA Hartford Region. Hartford Communities that Care and Mothers United Against Violence respond to every act of violence that occurs in Hartford's 06120 neighborhood. They do this out of care for their city and its residents. The Hartford Crisis Response Team/Hospital Based Violence Intervention programs serve both victims and their families, many of whom must recover from Physical wounds and trauma that last a lifetime" said Larson. "This grant will allow the YWCA an and its partners to continue this invaluable work in helping the community heal from violent crime and preventing further violence."

"Hartford endures an average of 100 shootings per year – and the sufferers of PTSD total hundreds of additional family members and loved ones " said Andrew Woods, Executive Director of Hartford Communities That Care (HCTC). "Thanks to the leadership of Rep. John Larson, who has been alert to these needs, we now have renewed support for the prevention and reduction of gun violence in Hartford. With the YWCA Hartford Region as the lead and the Mothers United Against Violence engaged, HCTC will be strengthening efforts to meet the emotional, psychological, and physical needs of victims – with proven techniques for prevention."

"Violence induced trauma is an invisible wound that, left untreated, infects its victim, extended family and vulnerable children," said Adrienne W. Cochrane, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Hartford Region. "As part of our mission to help families and strengthen communities, YWCA Hartford Region is committed to working with community partners to provide front-line program support to the Hartford Care Response Team. We want to thank Congressman Larson for his support for the Victims of Crime Act. We are proud to work with Hartford Communities That Care, Inc., and Mothers United Against Violence to ensure victims and families receive the critical services they need, in a safe environment in which to begin the healing process."