Rep. Sykes Announces $350,000 to Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
AKRON, OH – U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women awarded $349,556 to Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center for a program to engage men and boys as allies in the prevention of violence against women and girls.
“Women and men must be equal partners in the effort to end sexual and inter-partner violence, and I am proud to secure this funding to engage all members of our community in preventing this violence. I will continue fighting to bring your tax dollars back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to make our communities more safe and secure,” said Rep. Sykes.
“Receiving the 2024 Grant to Engage Men and Boys as Allies in the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls is a tremendous honor and a pivotal step forward in our mission to prevent violence through social and systemic change, while providing trauma-informed, culturally responsive services to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking in Medina and Summit Counties. This grant will empower us to deepen our outreach, expand our programs, and bring more men and boys into the movement as advocates for prevention and healing. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to strengthen our impact and further our commitment to fostering safer and more compassionate communities,” said Teresa Stafford, CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center.
With this funding, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center will enhance and expand access to culturally responsive prevention programming to educate, empower, and enhance men and boys’ ability to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking in Summit County by:
- Enhancing community understanding and engagement on men and boys' awareness of gender-based crimes;
- Empowering male leaders in the community to effectively utilize the “Respect Curriculum” and challenge harmful behaviors by hosting "Train the Trainer" seminars; and
- Empowering boys in school and after-school settings to become advocates against gender-based violence, understand social media dynamics, and promote bystander intervention through a targeted youth engagement program.