1303 HOSPITAL GROUND • STE 1 • ST. THOMAS, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 GOLDEN ROCK • CHRISTIANSTED, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 Government of the Virgin Islands of the United States DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES Press Contact: Ryan Nugent Director of Communications Phone: (340) 725-4924 Ryan.nugent@dhs.vi.gov Press Release VIDHS Crisis Intervention Fund announces open application period for mini grants to support youth and families U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services announces the FY 2023 Crisis Intervention Fund grant application opportunity for eligible non-profit and nongovernmental organizations. The award period for the DHS Crisis Intervention Fund will be from January 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023. Five (5) mini grants of $20,000 will be awarded. Funds provided through Crisis Intervention Fund are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing service provision to families and youth in the territory. The United States Virgin Islands Department of Human Services Crisis Intervention Fund was established by the VI Legislature on October 13, 1994, and signed into law as Act No. 7159, to help support families and youth experiencing crisis. The funds support local non-profit and nongovernmental organizations that provide programs for family/ parenting education services, youth skill building and empowering services, prevention education, and related assistance to families and youth. The purpose of the Crisis Intervention Fund is to provide intervention, support services, and related assistance to Youth (17 years old and younger) and Family. Services and related assistance may include: 1. Family Enhancement programs focusing from birth- 17 years old. 2. Parenting education. 3. Youth focused programs; life skill building, educational assistance; mentoring, prosocial development, job skills development 4. Youth focused substance use prevention, and youth focused violence prevention. 5. Services/ Programs for disabled youth or families with disabled youth. 6. Crisis intervention, short-term individual and group support services, comprehensive service coordination and supervision to assist family or household members. In a statement, VIDHS Commissioner, Kimberley Causey-Gomez said, “These mini grants expand the reach of local innovative organizations that provide immediate, short-term help to individuals who experience an event that produces emotional, mental, physical, and behavioral distress or problems.” “Every person in crisis, including their families, should receive a humane response that treats them with dignity and respect. We are encouraging anyone committed to advancing efforts to reimagine crisis response in our community to apply,” said Commissioner Causey-Gomez. To obtain an application, email kendall.tutein@dhs.vi.gov with the subject titled: REQUEST FOR FY2023 CRISIS INTERVENTION APPLICATION or visit the VIDHS office on St. Thomas at the Knud Hansen Complex at Hospital Ground or 3012 Golden Rock on St. Croix. You may also call (340) 718-2980 (St. Croix) or (340)774-0930 (St. Thomas) for further information. Completed applications must be submitted electronically or dropped off by Monday, January 16, 2023. 5:00pm AST. Applications are available through December 30, 2022, 12:00 noon. Current FY2023 Crisis Intervention subgrantees not eligible to apply. 1303 HOSPITAL GROUND • STE 1 • ST. THOMAS, VI 00802-6722 • (340) 774-0930 3012 GOLDEN ROCK • CHRISTIANSTED, VI 00802 • (340) 718-2980 The Department of Human Services (VIDHS) exists to provide social services to members in our community with diverse needs. Please visit the Department of Human Services website, www.dhs.gov.vi for more information. The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure, and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov. ###