Bustos Announces Nearly $500,000 in Federal Funding for Rockford's Family Peace Center

Statement

ROCKFORD -- This week, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, announced that the City of Rockford will receive $499,999 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women to continue developing and expanding the services of the Family Peace Center.

"Over the last few years, I've partnered with Mayor Tom McNamara and Senator Dick Durbin to address domestic violence in the Rockford community by working to establish the Family Peace Center," said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. "As a sanctuary for survivors to turn to during their darkest hours, this center has become a vital resource for our community. I'm thankful for Mayor McNamara's leadership on this important issue and honored to bring additional federal resources to help expand services for families in need."

In 2018, the City received funding from the same federal office to open the Family Peace Center to provide coordinated, comprehensive services in one location to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and human trafficking. The new funding will be used to enhance victim safety, strengthen victim services and expand operations support.

"Domestic violence accounts for one third of Rockford's violent crime, and I've made it a priority of my administration to reduce the impact this has on our community," said Mayor Tom McNamara. "I want to thank Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Bustos for their work in helping secure this vital funding to keep our efforts going for the next three years."

"For many Americans, home is not always a safe place, and the COVID-19 pandemic has presented particular challenges for individuals facing abusive situations and domestic violence," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. "I've been proud to help secure federal funding for the Rockford Family Peace Center and am pleased to see it continue to grow and provide survivors and their families with the resources and support they need to heal."

Since opening in July of 2020, the Family Peace Center has served more than 525 survivors.

Source