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CASA director seeks approval to apply for VOCA continuation grant covering three staff positions
Summary
The board authorized CASA executive director Stephanie Schumacher to apply for a VOCA continuation grant for 2026–2028 to reimburse salaries and benefits for three staff members; staff said the county match is covered by existing personnel.
Stephanie Schumacher, executive director of the CASA program, asked St. Joseph County commissioners for permission to apply for a continuation VOCA grant covering 2026'2028 and described the grant as a reimbursement that would support three staff salaries and benefits.
"The VOCA grant is a reimbursement grant that the program uses dollars in our...fund to support reimbursement for...salaries and benefits for 3 of our staff members," Schumacher said. She told the board the county already provides staff that cover the match and that the program will continue to rely on the county match in-kind.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about continuity and staff involvement; Schumacher said prior experts would assist in reviewing the application. The board approved the motion to allow CASA to apply.
Why it matters: VOCA funds (Victims of Crime Act) reimburse program expenses and can sustain service capacity for victim-support programs; county agreement to permit the application is a procedural step toward securing federal funds to cover personnel costs.
What comes next: CASA will submit the application for the 2026'2028 funding period and staff will return with any required documentation or acceptance notices.
