Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams has announced that six community-based drug and crimefighting programs in Lancaster County will receive donations totaling $82,500 from the Lancaster County Drug Task Force’s forfeiture funds.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster ($25,000), Lancaster Safety Coalition ($25,000), Restart Training Center Ministry ($10,000), Lancaster County Crime Stoppers ($10,000), Mental Health America of Lancaster ($7,500), and SAFE Communities ($5,000) will receive the donations.

“I am so pleased to be able to use drug forfeiture funds to strengthen these community-based programs,” District Attorney Heather Adams said. “The sharing of asset forfeiture proceeds allows us to meet the broader intended goal of forfeiture and that is our duty to assist community-based efforts to address drug addiction, rehabilitation and the prevention of crime – all of which ultimately increases public safety.”

These donations combined with those made earlier in the year to the Pathways to Recovery diversion program launched by D.A. Heather Adams in partnership with SecondChance PA ($25,000) and Compass Mark ($15,000) brought the total of forfeiture donations in 2022 to $122,500.

These funds come from illegal proceeds seized by the Lancaster County Drug Task Force that are later forfeited by Order of Court. These proceeds are, by law, to be used for the enforcement of the Drug Act and to support community-based drug and crimefighting programs.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lancaster provides high-impact programming at four locations across the county. The Club provides after-school mentorship, recreational, academic and career development activities for the youth.

“The Club is a home away from home,” CEO Karen Schloer said. “But, more importantly, we provide staff and volunteers that connect with youth to build relationships through our programs, creating a sense of community and support.

“It’s important that the DA and others support neighborhood-based community agencies that meet the kids where they live and bring with it positive mentors and relationships that statistically help kids have the confidence to make better decisions.”

The Lancaster Safety Coalition exists to enhance the safety and quality of life for every resident and visitor in Lancaster city. The LSC is a non-profit organization that supports the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency services with the operation of its public safety camera system. The organization will use the funds to support the daily operation of the system which provides valued video evidence to law enforcement and the District Attorney’s Office.

“The Safety Coalition is deeply grateful for the continued support of the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office and for their partnership in making Lancaster a safer and stronger community,” Executive Director Tim Miller said.

Restart Training Center Ministry (RTCM) will utilize the contributions to provide recovery support to substance abusers of illegal drugs with the goal of preventing further abuse and crime related to that use. RTCM is a community-based program with international certified alcohol and drug counselors on staff. These counselors have over 15 years working in drug addiction environments that help drug users reach recovery and become productive citizens.

Restart Executive Director Jaime Santiago said the program will use the funds to address the epidemic of substance use disorders in the lives of the citizens in our community.

“This will help our community members by helping them achieve and maintain sobriety, reducing crime and improving family safety and relationships,” Santiago said.

Crime Stoppers assures anonymity to those providing information and rewards incentives for submitting tips that help solve crime. The organization has paid over $100,000 in rewards on behalf of law enforcement agencies for information that has led to resolution of numerous crimes and the arrest of countless fugitives. The non-profit has an all-volunteer Board of Directors and uses most contributions to pay out these rewards.

“This contribution could not have come at a more crucial time for Crime Stoppers,” Board Secretary Michael Landis said. “We face an uncertain future like many charitable organizations due to the pandemic, changing giving patterns, and the current struggling economy making fundraising a challenge for us.

“Last year marked our 35th year of collaborating with law enforcement to reward the public for providing critical information about crimes with anonymity if they so choose.  It is especially gratifying that this contribution comes from one of our most dedicated law enforcement partners.  On behalf of Board President David L. Rineer, and the entire Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, I want to sincerely thank District Attorney Heather Adams for continuing the long history of support Crime Stoppers has received from the Office of the District Attorney of Lancaster County.”

Mental Health America of Lancaster’s Prison Education and Advocacy Program aims to reduce repeat offenders, equip the justice system with how to best engage with someone facing mental health challenges, and set them up for success upon release from prison.  The program provides orientation, one-to-one support, support groups, educational courses, and reentry education for inmates where they learn tools to support their mental health.

“In Lancaster County, over 70% in our county jail are experiencing mental health challenges,” MHA Executive Director Kim McDevitt said. “We are extremely grateful for the additional support for mental health services to those in our jail system. This investment ensures those incarcerated and released are connected to proper mental health care and supports, further decreasing recidivism rates.”

SAFE Communities is a small non-profit with the primary mission of ending child sexual abuse and supporting survivors with advocacy and resources. The organization conducts workshops on subjects like Child Sexual Abuse Prevention 101, Mandated Reporting, and The Grooming Process. SAFE recently undertook a pilot program offering these workshops to the public for free to much success. This funding will help cover costs for those trainings to continue.

“Safe Communities is proud to partner with the Lancaster County DA’s Office to provide workshops at no cost to the public to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse,” SAFE Communities Assistant Director Mark Harris said.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office notes that these donations would not be possible without the ongoing financial commitment from the Lancaster County Commissioners and many municipalities across Lancaster County who continue to contribute to the Drug Task Force.  In 2022, we received a total of $426,531 from local municipalities who support the mission of the Drug Task Force. The County has committed to matching those funds dollar-for-dollar. Forfeiture funds are no longer being used to pay salaries because of their commitment and the integrity of asset forfeiture is protected by ensuring that the prospect of receiving forfeiture funds does not influence, or appear to influence, law enforcement decisions.   

Attached below are records of all receipts and expenses for each account related to the Drug Task Force between July 2021 and June 2022. The records are released on a yearly basis and were prepared with the assistance of the Lancaster County Controller’s Office.

To see the records from July 2018 to June 2021, click here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sean McBryan, semcbryan@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @SeanMcBryanLanc.