Discussion and possible action to ratify the approval of entering into Subaward Agreement between Webb County and Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter to formalize the distribution of federal grant funds under the Justice for Families Grant Program; said Agreement establishing the terms and conditions under which Webb County will provide a subaward to Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter for the performance of approved project activities under the U.S. Department of Justice award, in an amount not to exceed $30,578; effective October 1, 2022, through September 30, 2026; authorizing the Webb County Judge to execute all necessary and related documents; and addressing any other matters incident thereto. This grant requires no matching funds and will have no impact on the General Fund. [Requested by Martin Cuellar, Webb County Sheriff]

Issue: Since 2013, the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) has continuously funded services through this grant program, including a domestic violence investigator for the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and a legal advocate for Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter.

Solution: Approval of this Agreement will allow Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office to continue their coordinated and collaborative efforts to provide services and support to victims of domestic violence within the Webb County community.

Result: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking in Webb County will continue to receive enhanced and coordinated services through Casa de Misericordia Domestic Violence Shelter and the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, promoting recovery, restitution, privacy, justice, and dignity.

The Webb County Commissioners Court approved the MOU on February 14 2022.