March 10, 2016
CARE office receives VOCA grant, hires new staff member
The Center for Advocacy, Response and Education, or CARE, received a grant from the Kansas Governor's Grant Program to strengthen the quality and consistency of direct services to victims of domestic, dating and sexual violence, sexual harassment and stalking. The Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, serves as a major source of funding for victim services throughout the country. That project budget of the grant project totals $87,836.
The VOCA grant will allow K-State CARE to expand its services on the Manhattan campus and provide resources to crime victims on the Polytechnic and Olathe campuses as well. In order to reach the goals of the grant, a full-time, grant-funded advocate was added to the CARE staff.
Clara Valadares Kientz is the new professional, full-time staff member and confidential advocate in the CARE office. Kientz received her bachelor's degree in family studies and human services with a minor in leadership studies from Kansas State University and is currently advancing toward a master's in counseling and student development. She has served as a police response advocate for the Manhattan Crisis Center since 2012 where she gained experience addressing immediate safety concerns and supporting victims of domestic violence.
CARE advocates are available to meet with K-State students, faculty and staff members who have experienced sexual violence, dating or domestic violence, stalking, or sexual harassment. Advocates are here to offer support and aid survivors in exploring their options.
For more information or to set up an appointment, call 785-532-6444 or email ksucare@k-state.edu.