City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: KATE GARVEY, DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND HUMAN SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Grant Application to the Department of Criminal Justice Services for the Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP).
BODY
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ISSUE: City Council’s consideration of a Sexual Assault Services Program (SASP) grant application to the Department of Criminal Justice (DCJS) seeking ongoing funding for Department of Community and Human Services’ (DCHS) services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual violence.
RECOMMENDATIONS: That City Council:
1. Authorize the submission of a competitive grant application to DCJS for calendar year 2027 in the amount of $65,000, requiring zero local match, to expand specialized services for youth sexual assault survivors in Alexandria. Funding will be allocated to maintain personnel costs, salary and fringe benefits for 0.5 FTE staff, for the existing position currently funded through the CY 2026 SASP grant, ensuring continuity of service.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents that may be required.
BACKGROUND: Since 2014, DCHS has received the DCJS SASP funding, which has supported the staff position for the City’s sexual assault crisis and core services. The current SASP grant award of $50,000 funds the salary of one 0.5 FTE:
• Human Services Specialist II/ Therapist responsible for providing services to youth and their non-offending caregivers who have experienced sexual assault.
DISCUSSION: DCHS was notified by DCJS of the opportunity to apply for a SASP competitive grant on July 21, 2026, and the grant application was due August 17, 2026. The grant award will support continued services for youth who experience sexual assault for the sexual assault program.
FISCAL IMPACT: The funding request in this grant application is for the period covering CY 2027 and totals $65,000.
The incumbent currently occupying this position is funded through the CY 2026 SASP grant and will be notified that continued employment is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. Should CY 2027 SASP grant funding not be awarded, and no alternative ongoing funding source be identified, the position will be eliminated in accordance with applicable personnel policies and procedures.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
STAFF:
Alethea Predeoux, Deputy City Manager
Kate Garvey, Director, Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS)
Federico Gutierrez, Deputy Director, DCHS
Barbara Paulson, Director, Center for Children and Families, DCHS
Joshua Williams, Fiscal Officer III, DCHS
Debra Evans, Division Chief, DCHS