By Payton Tholstrup

This week, Governor Laura Kelly announced that almost $18.5 million would be awarded to community organizations around Kansas to provide services to children and adult crime survivors. This funding comes from the state’s general funds and will be used for counseling, shelters, and more.

North Central Kansas CASA, Inc. and Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Concordia, Kansas are two of the organizations receiving part of the grant.

Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center is a child centered program that provides services for children who have experienced abuse. They help with the investigation and treatment services.

Court Appointed Special Advocates Program, or CASA, provides training to court-appointed volunteers. These volunteers work with the courts on the legal side as well as child welfare organizations to find safe placements for children who have been abused and neglected.