HARRISBURG, PA – Attorney General Michelle Henry announced significant financial support for two Philadelphia-based non-profit organizations, Center for Families and Relationships (CFAR) and Project HOME, to enhance their mental health services. Each organization will receive $520,125, funded by restitution payments from a fraud and money laundering case involving the now-defunct Juniata Community Mental Health Clinic (JCMHC).
The restitution, part of a U.S. Department of Justice prosecution, is aimed at replenishing resources within the community affected by the clinic’s closure. The funds were secured following convictions of multiple defendants involved in the JCMHC case, with court approval for the fund’s distribution by the Office of the Attorney General.
Attorney General Henry highlighted the selected organizations’ dedication to aiding vulnerable groups, stating that these funds will help extend their services to more individuals in need. “This is a pivotal moment for these organizations to enhance and expand their influential programs,” she remarked.
CFAR specializes in providing mental health counseling to youth, families, and couples, including a significant focus on trauma resulting from gun violence. Their bilingual programming also supports uninsured children and families in need of mental health services.
Project HOME, recognized for its efforts to combat homelessness and support mental well-being, will similarly benefit from the additional funding, aiming to further their mission of serving Philadelphia’s underserved populations.
United States Attorney Jacqueline Romero of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania praised the collaborative law enforcement efforts that led to the recovery and redistribution of funds. “It’s gratifying to see these assets being used to directly benefit those in need of mental health care in our community,” Romero stated.
The checks, along with the judge’s approval order, were recently dispatched to the organizations, marking a new chapter in their community service efforts.