YWCA Domestic Violence Services

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The YWCA Evanston/North Shore will receive funding from the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards Program. The organization provides the only comprehensive residential and non-residential domestic violence services in the northeastern Chicago metropolitan area. The services will assist more than 800 women and children who have experienced domestic violence and reach thousands more youth and community members to enable violence-free homes. With additional resources, the YWCA will be able to strengthen their capacity to serve more women in the community and provide information to help secure resources, understand and access legal remedies, and receive the counseling and support. In addition to these direct services to domestic violence victims, they will be able to expand outreach and education efforts to increase awareness about domestic violence and educate the community about victims' rights and remedies and resources to help end the violence.

NCA/NCF