A total of $98,000 in funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that will help local religious schools and houses of worship make security improvements has been awarded through the commission’s Non-Profit Security Grant Program.
The following local nonprofits receiving funding are: St. Mark A.M.E. Zion in Newtown, $24,995; Abrams Hebrew Academy in Yardley, $24,975; Temple Judea of Bucks County in Furlong, $21,847; St. Andrew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Perkasie, $13,346; and Jewish Center of Eastern Bucks/Chabad Lubavitch of Yardley: $12,838.
Announcements about the grants were made by state Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-10), in whose district all are located, and state Rep. Perry Warren, D-31, in whose district three are located.
“As Pennsylvanians, we have a right to be able to safely gather in our places of worship, our institutions of education, and in any of our community spaces,” Warren said. “These funds will ensure people can safely practice their religion and pursue an education here in the 31st. Hate has absolutely no place in our community.”
Grants awarded from the program are to be used by nonprofit organizations that serve people or groups often targeted by hate crimes because of race, religion, sexual orientation, disability and gender.
The awards can be used for safety or security improvements, including training and planning, the purchase of technology or equipment, or the improvement of the nonprofit’s facilities.
“Freedom of religion means no one should fear for his or her safety while observing their faith,” said Santarsiero. “Unfortunately, that is not always the case, which is why these funds are so important to our community.”
For information, visit the PCCD website.
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