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For Immediate Release Contact: Betsy Hart
September 18, 2008 (202) 226-8555

HERSETH SANDLIN ANNOUNCES $200,312 HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANT
FOR WICONI WAWOKIYA

September 18th, 2008, Washington, DC-Today, Rep. Herseth Sandlin announced that Wiconi Wawokiya, an advocacy-centered transitional housing project on the Crow Creek Indian Reservation, is the recipient of a Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women Transitional Housing Assistance grant in the amount of $200,312. This funding will assist Wiconi Wawokiya in their efforts to provide assistance to Native and non-Native women of color as well as immigrant women who are the victims of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

“For many victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking, escaping a dangerous situation can mean leaving everything behind and completely starting over,” Rep. Herseth Sandlin said. “While this fresh start has many positive aspects, there are many challenges along the way. It is through the work of projects like Wiconi Wawokiya, supported by this funding, that women feel empowered to regain control and start anew.”

The services provided by Wiconi Wawokiya include providing transitional housing for up to two years, financial assistance for rent and utilities, case management and safety planning, transportation, child care, employment counseling, the opportunity to obtain a GED, information and referrals to local agencies, financial management and literacy training, and follow-up services.

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Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin serves South Dakota in the U.S. House of Representatives. She is a member of the Blue Dog Coalition, a group of moderate Democrats committed to fiscal discipline and strong national security, and is co-chair of the Rural Working Group, which is dedicated to raising the profile of issues important to rural America. She also serves on three committees vital to South Dakota’s interests: Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs and Natural Resources. In the 110th Congress, Rep. Herseth Sandlin was one of only 15 members appointed to serve on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming.