$564K federal grant will fund 180's programs BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer HAZLET - The nonprofit 180 Turning Lives Around now has 564,000 more ways to help end domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. The nonprofit organization received a $564,000 grant as part of the Senate Appropriations Committee FY 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funding was announced Dec. 27 by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) as part of a bill including millions in federal funding for law enforcement, crime prevention and science programs that was signed by the president and will be delivered to New Jersey, according to a press release. "Not only does this bill include millions of dollars for New Jersey, but it provides substantial increases in state and local law enforcement funding," Lautenberg said in the press release. "These funds will go a long way toward making sure police officers in New Jersey have the equipment and training they need to fight crime and keep our communities safe. I was proud to take part in crafting this legislation." A private nonprofit organization, 180 Turning Lives Around is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault in the community. Anna Diaz-White, executive director of 180, said that she was not expecting to receive that level of funding. "Of course when you apply for one of these grants, it is not a given that you will be receiving it," Diaz-White said. "It was quite a surprise to hear that we were part of the grant and the amount we received." According to the 180 Web site, the organization has served more than 300,000 individuals and families over the past 30 years. Diaz-White said that the funds would go toward services such as the youth helpline known as Second Floor, the Amanda's Easel art therapy program, and safe houses. "These funds will help us to improve our already great programs," Diaz-White said. "We greatly appreciate the fact that we received such a grant." Also receiving grant funds is the Asbury Park Enrichment and Student Success Center in Lincroft, which received $94,000.