Four and a half months after a gunman killed 26 peopel and wounded another 20 at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Gov. Abbott has released more than $2 million in grant money to help the victims continue their long recovery, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
"The act of pure evil inflicted on the faithful people of Sutherland Springs on November 5, 2017 will deeply affect the community, especially the surviving victims, for the rest of their lives," the Governor said. "That is why it is so important that we continue to offer any necessary support to our fellow Texans still suffering from this tragedy. I hope these services will provide some relief and comfort for those Texans that need it the most."
The largest single grant, $550,000, goes to UTSA, which has been providing counseling services to children and adults, including efforts done through the Children's Bereavement Center.
Children's Bereavement Center itself will receive a grant of $268,000 to hire licensed mental clinicians for mental health screenings for the kids who were touched by the shooting.
The Floresville ISD, which educates many of the Sutherland Springs children, will get a half million dollars to continue providing victim services for students.
The San Antonio Bar Association also receives a small grant to provide legal assistance for victims affected by wills, estates, and chld custody issues.