Chief Gray congratulates the Osage Nation Counseling Center for their efforts in successfully being awarded one of the largest grants for protection of women involved in domestic abuse. "Indian women are the most abused population in America, and I am grateful we can continue to develop our fight against this problem right here for our Osage women and our families", stated Chief Gray. 

A Department of Justice Grant, Office on Violence Against Women has awarded the Osage Nation a grant totaling $773,667.  The competitive grant application was submitted by the Osage Nation Office of Strategic Planning and Grants Management for the Osage Nation Counseling Center.  The grant mission is to develop and strengthen effective responses to violence against women. This grant, known as a “Recovery Grant” will assist with economic recovery efforts in Osage Country by supporting projects that will stimulate the local economy while simultaneously helping to promote the safety of Indian women.

Grant funds will be used to provide supplies for a transitional home used by families needing housing, one time assistance to those seeking permanent housing, renovations to the current home used by those seeking assistance from abuse, along with the purchase of second home that will be available to clients seeking help. “I want to thank OSPGM for their support in submitting the written application that I developed for this award”, stated Virginia Elsey, Director of the Osage Nation Counseling Center.

The Osage Nation was one of the eight tribes that received these grant funds. Grant amounts ranged from as high as $899,999 to $366,882. The Osage Nation received the 4^th highest amount awarded by the DOJ.  In 2007, the ONCC received the largest grant in the area, $865,878.   The performance of that grant allowed us to be eligible for the Recovery Grant.

“Our congratulations go out to the ONCC and the OSPGM on their accomplishments and continued success”, said Chief Gray.