More than $122,000 is going to the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara and Niagara Falls Memorial’s P3 Center for Teens, Moms and Kids.

The money is coming from the Pandemic Emergency Recovery Fund. It’s part of the $21 million distributed to survivors of domestic violence by the state. The Child Advocacy Center’s executive director says the money is extremely important.

"The disproportionate negative impacts on women and children during and in the aftermath of the COVID19 pandemic are well documented. This is especially true for women and children living below the poverty line," said Shelley Hitzel, executive director of The Child Advocacy Center of Niagara.

They have seen an uptick in domestic violence and economic stressors for families in these situations.

"In Niagara County, specifically Niagara Falls, women and children experienced an increased risk of gender-based violence, economic stress and a significant decrease in community supports. The PEAF grant provided Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center an opportunity to mitigate some of those negative impacts," said Hitzel.

The money will help 44 women and 95 children with relocation expenses, food, housing, short term utility payments and clothing.