Enhancing Language and Access Program

The FY 19 Enhancing Language and Other Access to Services Program seeks to enrich language access services for crime victims to break down barriers that prevent many individuals from reporting crimes and accessing the services they need after crime victimization. Funding will support the provision of direct services, the development of language access plans, and will expand the capacity of community-based organizations to address the needs of victims of crime who are blind, visually impaired, limted English proficient (LEP), Deaf or hard-of hearing.

Through this project, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will increase access and utilization of crime victim services for Spanish-speaking populations in Bremen Township, Cook County, Illinois. The YWCA will develop a Language Access Plan for victims of crime including homicide, interpersonal and domestic violence, sexual violence, robbery and aggravated or simple assault. YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will convene a cohort of partners, including Legal Aid Chicago, Crisis Center South Suburbia, South Suburban Family Shelter, and Pillars Community Health. Leveraging YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s longstanding and comprehensive work with sexual violence survivors, the project will expand outreach to include instances of other violent crime, in order to increase awareness and utilization of available services; expand access to immediate crisis intervention and referral; expand access to case management services and advocacy services; develop a referral network of mental health providers; facilitate a multidisciplinary response through collaboration of service providers; and evaluate the project model and practices to identify successes and positive victim outcomes over a two year project period.

CA/NCF