Statement from NCST Executive Director Rey Chavis on Status of NCST’s Victim Services
On Friday, October 24th, NCST received, via after hours email from the Office of the Attorney General, Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance Office (VIVA), a rejection of our application for continuing funding through the Competitive FY23 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program.
NCST is awaiting word from VIVA about what organization will take over culturally appropriate services for the victims on our caseload. We will alert the public when this information is available. We are no longer able to provide services to victims of violence outside of our program at University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel.
NCST has been a VOCA recipient since 2017. Since this time, we have serviced 350 families with VCCO assistance, advocacy, court accompaniment, and referrals to mental health and wellness services. In addition, we served 666 survivors with case management services aiding them in their recovery and healing journey. We are heartbroken to abruptly discontinue these services to victims.
Please feel free to review our follow up letter to VIVA requesting additional information on the process.
