Rep. Sykes Announces $600,000 in Federal Funding for Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center to Combat Abuse of Older Adults
AKRON, OHIO — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced that the Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center in Akron will receive $600,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. Awarded through the Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program, the grant will help strengthen efforts in Summit County to address abuse of adults aged 50 and older.
“Older adults in our community deserve to live free from harm and mistreatment,” said Rep. Sykes. “This funding will help Summit County respond to seniors experiencing abuse and make sure they have the access to the support they need. I’m proud to see this investment come home to Akron.”
“This award from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women represents an important investment in the safety, dignity, and well-being of older adults experiencing abuse, while creating a unique opportunity for Hope & Healing to partner with the Victim Assistance Program and agencies throughout Summit County to build a coordinated, trauma-informed response. Together, we will strengthen services, improve access to support for older survivors, and ensure our community is better equipped to prevent, identify, and respond to abuse in later life,” said Teresa Stafford-Wright, Chief Executive Officer of Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center.
The four-year grant, beginning August 1, 2026, and running through July 31, 2030, will support training for criminal justice professionals and others who work with older victims, while expanding coordinated community responses and direct services for survivors.