Van Hollen Awards New Horizons Shelter and Women's Center, Inc. $110,040 for Child and Adult Victims of Crime in La Crosse and Trempealeau Counties

- Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen today announced the Wisconsin Department of Justice has awarded $110,040 in Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the New Horizons, Inc. program.

"I am pleased that agencies that serve victims will receive additional support," said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. "With this funding, New Horizons Shelter and Women's Center will provide professional counseling to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and harassment in La Crosse and Trempealeau Counties."

The counselor will be based in La Crosse County at the shelter but will be available to meet with community clients and will spend at least one day every other week in Trempealeau County. 

New Horizons, Inc. is one of 16 programs that Van Hollen has chosen for more than $900,000 in funding to help crime victims under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The Attorney General said this money reflects his desire to improve the quality of life for innocent crime victims of all ages who live in communities across Wisconsin.  Trauma counseling, crises intervention and other advocacy services are essential to restoring victims to a sense of wellness. 

Enacted in 1984, VOCA is administered by the US Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law on February 17, 2009.  The law provides funding to assist victim service programs create and retain direct victim services positions.