Virginia Tech gets grant for April 16th counseling programs

Ashley Roberts

Published: October 9, 2008

2:51 p.m. update

The Virginia Tech community was changed forever when the tragic events of April 16, 2007 happened, but today the school was awarded a grant that will help with the healing process.
   
On the outside Virginia Tech’s campus looks normal, but on the inside many students and employees are still recovering from the April 16, 2007 shootings.

“Although many months have passed since the horrific events of April 16, 2007, the trauma and hardship have not passed,“ said University President Charles Steger.

On Thursday, Steger joined Congressman Rick Boucher to announce a $2.65 million federal grant to assist with recovery efforts. “I hope that the programs the university will develop with these funds will bring a measure of peace and comfort to those whose lives were permanently altered on that day,“ said Boucher.

Getting the federal grant for the university has been a work in progress since the tragedy. Congressman Boucher says waiting was frustrating. “It did take too long, but we’re delighted that the grant has been awarded.“

The $2.65 million dollar federal grant is from the Victims of Crime Fund through the U.S. Department of Justice. The Victims of Crime Fund is unique, according to Boucher, in that the funding provided to it comes from fees levied on individuals who have been convicted of perpetrating crimes.

The grant will help continue counseling programs already in place at the Cook Counseling Center and office of Recovery & Support.

According to President Steger, since the shootings there has been a 57% increase in counseling appointments at the Cook Counseling Center. He says six counselors have been added to meet that increased demand.

Steger says other needed services will also be added in the Office of Dean of Students and the Virginia Tech Police Department.

The $2.65 million federal grant will be for a duration of 20 months. “20 months will give us time to make sure that we have within the university’s budget sufficient resources to continue the services we need to have,“ said Senior Vice President and Provost Mark McNamee. So…we see this really as transition funding that helps the university build the kind of programs and sustain them.“

Original Story
Congressman Rick Boucher announced today that Virginia Tech is recieving a $2.65 million federal grant from the Victims of Crime Fund from the U.S. Department of Justice to help with the school’s ongoing efforts to address the effects of April 16, 2007.

The money will be used to provide students and employees who were enrolled and employed on April 16th to address their ongoing needs.

It will help with developing coping skills, stress management techniques, and physical and mental wellness plans to help everyone who still needs help.

The grant is going to start immediately and last 20 months.

Virginia Tech Police Chief Wendell Flinchum, along with President Charles Steger were on hand for the announcement.

10 On Your Side’s Ashley Roberts will have more on this story tonight on WSLS at 6:00 p.m.