How one organization will help kids using the Penn State fine money

(Reading) — A midstate nonprofit that helps victims of sexual abuse plans to hire a trauma-certified therapist through a grant stemming from the Jerry Sandusky case.

The money is coming from a $48 million settlement with Penn State over its handling of the matter.

Berks County Women in Crisis will add the therapist or licensed clinical social worker using nearly 80-thousand dollars from the Penn State fine.

Mary Kay Bernoski, the group’s executive director, says until now, it’s either had to hope families are willing to pay for the service or private insurance will pick up the cost.

She says hundreds of kids will now be able to get more comfortable and have more time to heal.

“But for the parents and for the guardians of these children who have been violated in the worst way, they are going to know that they can have this therapy as often as needed, and it’s not going to impact the family budget,” says Bernoski.

“Being able to be treated soon after this event obviously increases our ability to limit their trauma experience and to help them heal faster,” she adds.

A dozen midstate groups were awarded money in the first round of grants tied to the fine Penn State paid for its role in the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse case.

Among others: Women in Need Franklin County plan to hire an advocate who will help families through the legal process.

The Dauphin County Children’s Resource Center will add a certified registered nurse practitioner.

More grants will be awarded in the future.