Crisis Shelter OK'd to get NAP grants

The Ellwood Group donated $25,000.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Often donors get only the satisfaction of helping the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County when they give money.
But now some businesses can get something more.
The shelter was recently approved for the state's Neighborhood Assistance Program, which allows companies to get a state tax credit for half of its donation and also use the funding as a federal charitable deduction, which averages about 24 cents off each dollar contributed.
The Ellwood Group, based in Ellwood City, was the first to take advantage of the program with a $25,000 donation.
"The beauty of the grant is that that we can grow it," said Melissa Pearce, the shelter's executive director. "State and federal grants are eroding and we need to find new ways to meet our needs."
Pearce said she approached Ellwood Group CEO David Barensfeld about the program and he was more than willing to help.
"David Barensfeld believes in giving back to the community and he felt this was an important way to do that," said Pam Vass, the group's human resources director who helped coordinate the grant.
Vass was so impressed with the shelter when she delivered the check for Barensfeld that she has agreed to help shelter clients with r & eacute;sum & eacute;s and job interview skills.
Grant use
Pearce said the Ellwood Group donation will be put to good use providing money to allow victims of domestic violence and sexual assault to extend their stay in the emergency shelter beyond the normal 30 days.
Pearce said that month window often isn't long enough for a person to find a job and affordable housing to get away from an abuser.
The grant will also pay for goal-centered counseling and life skill classes that residents can take while in the extended housing.
Pearce said they will also use the money to provide more prevention education programs as well as offer more counseling and community awareness programs in the Ellwood City area -- a portion of the county that has in the past had fewer services.
Pearce said others donating through the NAP grant will allow the shelter to expand that work. The grant is expected to last through September. Future dollars donated through NAP would also help with equipment and other needs, she said.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development regulates which companies are eligible under NAP. Under the state's guidelines, banks, utility companies, savings and loans, insurance companies and other businesses that meet various guidelines can participate.
One advantage of the NAP grants for the shelter is that the funding is not restricted to one program or purchase as it is for many other types of state or federal grants, Pearce said.
cioffi@vindy.com