Federal grant to help area survivors of domestic violence

StepStone, an organization that helps survivors of domestic violence, has received a $338,000 federal grant from the Office of Violence Against Women.

The Wichita-based organization was founded as New Hope in 1995 by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Adorers of the Blood of Christ. It has helped more than 674 area women and children who have suffered from domestic violence in finding transitional housing and supportive services, according to a news release issued Monday by StepStone.

The funding will help the organization serve more women and children. It will also help women find employment.

“The women we serve can live in our homes for two years; now we will also be able to offer them other financial support when they are ready to leave our program,” said Dung Kimble, StepStone program director, in Monday’s news release.

This story was originally published September 16, 2014 at 6:27 AM with the headline "Federal grant to help area survivors of domestic violence."