Program will train new members to directly assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking throughout New Hampshire

The AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program (AVAP) has been awarded a highly competitive national grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. AVAP is a program housed by the New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.

The AmeriCorps Grant award will provide funding of approximately $350,000 a year for three years; this will fund 27 AVAP members who will provide services at 18 host agencies located across New Hampshire. These members are placed in crisis centers, law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers and on college and university campuses. Members will assist survivors of domestic and sexual violence and stalking by assisting them to obtain restraining orders, answering hotline calls and working with them on a one-on-one basis.

Every year AmeriCorps programs apply for competitive grants which are awarded directly through the Corporation for National and Community Service. More consideration is given to programs whose mission fits under the Corporation’s top priorities. Organizations who do not receive the competitive funding are then given consideration through the state formula funding. This is the first time AVAP has been awarded the competitive funding in a number of years.

“The AVAP staff and Partnership are thrilled that the critical work the members are doing within the health prevention field is being recognized on a national level,” said Meg Kennedy Dugan, Director of the AVAP program.

It is an honor for the AVAP program to be selected as one of only 17 organizations nationwide to receive this second awarding of direct competitive funding. The current year’s AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive, due to the strong and growing demand by organizations seeking AmeriCorps resources and a $23 million cut in AmeriCorps grant funding over last year’s level.  Organizations requested nearly twice the number of grant dollars and AmeriCorps positions than could be funded.  

To learn more about the AVAP program visit www.avap1.org.