$500,000 Federal Grant Expands Services for Seniors Impacted by Abuse, Fraud, Exploitation, and Other Crimes
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach has launched a new initiative to provide intensive case management and support services to older adults who are victims of crime. The program is made possible through a $500,000 grant awarded in Spring 2026 by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), U.S. Department of Justice.
The new Elder Victims of Crime Program expands Catholic Charities' longstanding Elder Affairs Program, which has served vulnerable seniors in Palm Beach County since 1978. The initiative is designed to address the growing need for victim-centered services among adults aged 55 and older who have experienced financial exploitation, physical abuse, neglect, scams, burglary, assault, and other crimes.
"Many older adults who become victims of crime face challenges that extend far beyond the initial incident," said Amy Fariello-Hansen, Director of Elder Affairs at Catholic Charities. "They often need ongoing support to restore their safety, stability, independence, and quality of life. This program allows us to provide that support through intensive, individualized case management."
Meeting a Critical Community Need
Florida is home to one of the nation's largest senior populations, and Palm Beach County has nearly 500,000 residents age 60 and older. Reports of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation continue to rise, while experts believe many cases remain unreported. Victims frequently suffer in silence due to fear, dependence on caregivers, social isolation, or concerns about retaliation.
The new program was created to help bridge that gap by providing trauma-informed, culturally competent services tailored to the unique needs of older victims.
Comprehensive Support for Survivors
Eligible participants must be:
- Age 55 or older
- Residents of Palm Beach County
- Victims or survivors of crime within the past two years
Services include:
- Comprehensive needs assessments
- Individualized service planning
- Safety planning and crisis intervention
- Information and referrals
- Assistance accessing public benefits and community resources
- Coordination of medical and mental health services
- Transportation assistance
- Cell phones and other emergency supports when needed
- Assistance with victim compensation applications when eligible
- Ongoing follow-up and support after case closure
The program emphasizes client choice, self-direction, and empowerment while helping participants reduce vulnerability to future victimization.
Strong Community Partnerships
Catholic Charities works closely with numerous community partners to identify and assist victims, including Adult Protective Services, the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the State Attorney's Office, Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, the Center for Independent Living Options, the Area Agency on Aging, the Coalition Against Abuse of Vulnerable Adults (CAAVA), and professional guardianship organizations throughout Florida.
These partnerships help ensure that seniors receive coordinated care and access to the resources they need to remain safe and independent.
Currently Accepting Referrals
The program can serve up to 20 victims at a time. Referrals may be made by family members, friends, healthcare providers, social service agencies, law enforcement personnel, faith communities, or by victims themselves.
Individuals interested in making a referral can complete the online referral form at:
https://www.ccdpb.org/elder-victim-of-crime-referral.html
About Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach provides compassionate services to vulnerable individuals and families throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Through its Elder Affairs Program, Catholic Charities has decades of experience protecting vulnerable seniors and helping them maintain safety, dignity, and independence.
The new Elder Victims of Crime Program strengthens that mission by ensuring that older adults who have suffered abuse, exploitation, fraud, or other crimes receive the support they need to heal, recover, and thrive.
