The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services announced that nearly $4 million in federal Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Formula Grant funding will be distributed to 64 community‑based nonprofit projects in 46 counties. The awards, covering the period from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, are aimed at helping victims of family, domestic and dating violence and the children and other dependents affected by abuse.
How the grants will be used
Recipients will use the money to establish, maintain or expand programs that prevent violence, provide immediate assistance, and connect families with local resources. Eligible activities include emergency shelter, supportive services such as counseling and case management, and referrals to community‑based assistance that help victims rebuild safe lives.
A portion of the funding is earmarked for specialized services for children who have witnessed family, domestic or dating violence. These programs will offer trauma‑informed counseling, educational support and safe‑space activities designed to mitigate the long‑term effects of exposure to abuse.
Focus on underserved and minority communities
The grant program also prioritizes services for underserved populations and victims from racial and ethnic minority communities. By recognizing the unique barriers these groups face when seeking shelter and protection, the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services hopes to ensure that help reaches those who need it most.
Who is receiving the money
All 64 awardees are nonprofit organizations that provide emergency shelter and supportive services. While the specific names of each organization were not listed in the announcement, they span a wide geographic area, from urban centers such as Columbus and Cleveland to rural counties in the southeast and northwest of the state.
State agency role
The Office of Criminal Justice Services, a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, serves as the state’s lead office for criminal‑justice planning and assistance. In addition to administering state and federal funding, the agency evaluates program effectiveness, develops training for criminal‑justice professionals and shares best practices with communities across Ohio.
What this means for Ohio families
For families fleeing abusive situations, the new funding means more beds in emergency shelters, expanded counseling options, and greater access to resources that can help them achieve long‑term stability. Children who have been exposed to violence will benefit from targeted therapeutic services that address trauma and promote healthy development.
By investing federal dollars into local nonprofits, Ohio is reinforcing a community‑based safety net that aligns with the state’s commitment to protect families, uphold individual liberty and support the moral fabric of neighborhoods.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
