A Mohnton church and Wyomissing Synagogue each received a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) Non-Profit Security Grant to improve the safety and security of their facility, State Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11) announced.
The new grants, which stemmed from legislation supported by Schwank (Act 83 of 2019), are meant for non-profit entities that principally serve individuals, groups or institutions that are included within a bias motivation category for a single bias hate crime incident identified by the FBI. Those incident categories include: race/ethnicity/ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender and gender identity.
Eligible projects include:
- Purchase of safety and security equipment
- Threat awareness and response training
- Upgrades to existing structures that enhance safety and security
- Vulnerability and threat assessments
- Any other safety or security-related project that enhances safety or security of the non-profit organization
Of more than 800 applications, the two Berks recipients are:
Allegheny Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mohnton, $23,648
Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom, Wyomissing, $25,000
“The sad reality is that hate crimes can happen anywhere,” Schwank said. “The grants will help these local worship centers better ensure the safety of their congregations and the many community groups who also use their facilities.”
