From Left: Beth Sturman, Kim Follett, Neil Makhija, Jamila Winder, Tom DiBello, Stacy Dougherty, Noah Marlier. (Credit: Montgomery County)
CARE s a transformative initiative that provides access to childcare, trauma-informed training for teachers, and mental health support to survivors of domestic violence.
On Friday, the Montgomery County Commissioners observed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month by promoting a $1 million commitment to supporting young families affected by domestic violence.
Project CARE – Childcare Access for Recovery Equity – is a transformative initiative that provides access to childcare, trauma-informed training for teachers, and mental health support to survivors of domestic violence. The program operates through partnership with domestic violence agency Laurel House, Play & Learn early childhood centers, the County's Prothonotary office, and the County's Court Care program. The $1 million funding comes from Montgomery County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
“As a Commissioner, I always emphasize the importance of lifting up our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” said Jamila H. Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. “That is precisely why Montgomery County has designated $1 million in ARPA funding for families who have been impacted by domestic violence – so these young children can attend pre-school led by teachers who can truly support their emotional growth and healing in a safe space. This is such an important and worthwhile program. It is hard to overstate how valuable this initiative is or just how essential it is for our community.”
“Unfortunately, the pandemic resulted in deeply troubling increases in domestic abuse,” said Neil Makhija, Montgomery County commissioner. “This is why the County has committed $1 million to Project CARE to support Montgomery County’s survivors of domestic violence and their pre-school children. This program offers much-needed stability to parents and their young children. We are very thankful to both Laurel House and Play & Learn for working together with the County to create environments for families where they can embark on a process of recovery.”
“We know how hard it can be for those experiencing domestic violence to come forward and speak out,” said Thomas DiBello, Montgomery County commissioner. “That’s why we are incredibly grateful to our community partners like Laurel House and Play & Learn. They are on the frontlines of this issue and do commendable work to make sure families are taken care of. We are proud to allocate $1 million in support of these families through Project CARE because we know it will make a big difference.”
To date, Project CARE has successfully provided 40 families with childcare, before and after school care, and summer camp placements. Families can be referred to Project CARE when they seek services from Laurel House. Play & Learn works directly with Laurel House to provide trauma-informed childcare care options.
“By supporting these initiatives, we can help survivors reclaim their lives and provide brighter futures for their children,” said Stacy Dougherty, Co-Executive Director of Laurel House. “We are so appreciative of the County for funding this project, and to the staff at Play & Learn for partnering with us on this project and for their tireless work supporting the families that need them most.”
“When families in crisis have access to childcare funding without needing to meet the typical work requirements for childcare subsidized funding, the survivor has time to heal, recover, find sustainable work, and remain independent from their abuser,” said Kim Follett, CEO of Play & Learn. “Montgomery County leadership in the management of ARPA funding has most certainly invested in the well-being of these families and has grown the capacity for our County’s community-based organizations to work together in building a stronger community.”
Project CARE also provides trauma-informed care services for children of families who engage with the Prothonotary’s Office and court system for processing Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders.
“No one should have to choose between safety and being able to afford childcare, or finding a reliable program for their children,” said Noah Marlier, Montgomery County prothonotary. “I’m so thankful for this ARPA funding and to Play & Learn for providing these scholarships for domestic violence survivors. I always say that we can't make this process easy, but I hope through our initiatives we can make it easier.”
For more information on filing PFA in Montgomery County visit montgomerycountypa.gov/prothonotary.
For more information on Montgomery County’s Pandemic Recovery Funds programming visit montgomerycountypa.gov/4060/Pandemic-Recovery-Funds.
