CRITICAL SERVICES IN JEOPARDY
Fund the Legacy...Fill the Gap
Peaceful Paths lost $500,000 in October of 2023 and will lose an additional $400,000 in 2024 due to a reduction in federal grant support known as the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).
This is a temporary deficit, which will impact our agency and the survivors we serve through October 2025, at which time a federal fix will go into effect. Critical services across all aspects of our programs are at risk unless this funding gap can be filled. We are asking our local supporters to help us fill this gap so we may continue to provide our legacy of hope.
Help us fill the gap!
$400,000 by Oct. 2024
Update Jan. 2024
Impact On Peaceful Paths
While working toward a long term solution critical services across all aspects of Peaceful Paths programs are at risk unless the budget gap can be filled.
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Background & History
The Crime Victims Fund (the Fund) was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984. The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by persons convicted in federal cases, not from tax dollars. These funds have been annually dispersed in October to agencies that serve victims of crime.
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Due to a reduction in fines and penalties paid by federal criminal offenders between 2017-2021, agencies serving victims across the state are losing substantial funding through October 2025.
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In 2021 the White House announced the VOCA Fix to sustain the Crime Victims Fund. The Fix is projected to go into effect in 2025, leaving agencies with lifesaving services facing major budgetary gaps.
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This cut, which comes at a time of rising operational costs for utilities, food, maintenance, and insurance, funds 40% of Peaceful Paths direct-client services in emergency shelter, outreach client support, and legal assistance. All of these services are essential to serving our survivors throughout Alachua, Bradford and Union counties.
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Take Action Today
Peaceful Paths remains committed to serving survivors in our community and with your assistance we can overcome these challenges and fill the gap!
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Here are ways to assist immediately:
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Donate using our Online Donation Portal adding "Fund the Legacy" in the memo.
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Become an Ally in Action with a recurring monthly donation.
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Enroll in our Corporate Sponsor Program: Email StephanieF@PeacefulPaths.org to learn more!
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Support our Hope Works 50th Anniversary campaign.
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Fund the Legacy...Fill the Gap
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