Women's and Girls' Empowerment Project

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 of Canton, Illinois, will use grant funds to create an Empowerment Project for women and girls. The purpose of the project is to improve the employable, technological, and personal financial management skills among participants to reduce the incidence of victims of crime. The project will be housed in an Empowerment Center located near the YWCA. The center will increase preparedness for employment and financial knowledge via a computer lab and a classroom where participants will receive financial literacy and employability training. Another activity to be offered is a program to increase interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and math among young girls. Additional support will be offered via a career closet store, which will provide donated clothing, shoes, and related items to participants as they prepare to apply and interview for work. One new full-time employee will be hired to manage the program, and two current part-time professional YWCA staff will provide programmatic, administrative, and financial management support. The success and progress of participants will be measured using pre-/post-testing and other relevant data collected.

NCA/NCF