Emily Hahn, director of the CARE Initiative at Manchester University.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester University has received a grant to build on its efforts to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention and response at its Fort Wayne and North Manchester campuses.

The CARE Initiative was established at Manchester University in 2016 with a $300,000, three-year grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Violence Against Women.

The continuation grant allows Manchester University to fund the program for another three years, said a news release by Manchester University.

“These funds will be used to continue our work in prevention education and bystander intervention, as well as resources for survivors of sexual assault, dating, domestic violence and stalking,” said Emily Hahn, director of the CARE Initiative.

CARE stands for Creating a Respectful Environment.

“Our goal is to integrate the CARE Initiative into the very fabric of Manchester University so that we will be known as a community that does not tolerate or ignore sexual or interpersonal violence,” Hahn said.

Moving forward with the theme of MUCares, the initiative works to build and maintain community partnerships.

Currently, its partners include:

• Fort Wayne Sexual Assault and Treatment Center
• Fort Wayne Police Department and its Victim’s Assistance program
• YWCA of Northeast Indiana, Fort Wayne
• Hands of Hope, Wabash and Marion
• Beaman Home, Warsaw
• Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault, Indianapolis
• Mosaic Health and Healing Arts, Goshen

The CARE Initiative also collaborates with two dozen faculty and staff members on it’s northeast Indiana campuses to ensure that its work is comprehensive, student-focused and survivor-centered.

“Our mission statement calls us to respect the infinite worth of every individual. Thoughtfully and intentionally respecting the rights and well-being of all people is core to who we are,” said Manchester University President Dave McFadden.

“The CARE Initiative further strengthens our commitment to keeping all members of our community safe and whole,” McFadden said.