Grant Workshops to be Held to Assist with Applying for Criminal Justice Project Funding

Piney Woods 911 • November 30, 2022

Local governments, independent school districts, public and private non-profit institutions of higher education, non-profit corporations, and state agencies can soon apply for FY 2024 grant funds from the Office of the Governor, Public Safety Office, Criminal Justice Division. New and continuing applicants in ETCOG’s fourteen (14) county region are invited to attend FREE grant application workshops hosted by the ETCOG Public Safety division. Four workshops will be held virtually from December through January. Grant funding is available for the following programs:

  • General Victim Assistance Direct Services Program (VOCA)
  • Violence Against Women Justice and Training Program (VAWA)
  • Juvenile Justice & Truancy Prevention Grant Program (SF-JJTP)
  • Criminal Justice Program (DJ-JAG)
  • Residential & Community-Based Services for Victims of Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

 

“The goal is to improve public safety and support victims of crime by filling gaps in the region via funding that promotes innovative solutions to regional problems,” said ETCOG’s Public Safety Director, Stephanie Heffner. “We help applicants understand what needs to go into their grant applications and what they have to track once they receive funding from the state, so we can successfully bring public safety projects to East Texas.”

 

Workshops will be held on the following dates:

 

  • Wednesday, 12/14/22 – 2 pm to 3 pm
  • Monday, 12/19/22 – 2 pm to 3 pm
  • Tuesday, 1/10/23 – 10 am to 11 am
  • Thursday, 1/19/23 – 10 am to 11 am

 

Workshops are mandatory if you plan to apply for funding. To participate in a virtual workshop, visit https://www.pineywoods911.com/criminal-justice at any of the listed dates and times, and click “Join Workshop.”


Criminal Justice Grant Workshops

Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12–18, 2026

By ETCOG Public Safety • April 1, 2026
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.

Criminal Justice Grant Funding Available for East Texas Public Safety Projects

By East Texas Council of Governments • December 15, 2025
Mandatory Workshops Scheduled for Applicants
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