Total Adult/Children Shelter Nights Provided in 2009 Reached a Record 7,582

 

2009 was a year when our programs and services were called upon to meet the ever growing need of victims of domestic/family violence.   For all of 2008, our total adult/children shelter nights provided was 3,263.   For 2009, for the first time in our 30 year history our safe house was at capacity and sometimes over capacity with a waiting list.   Yes, we have had a waiting list since April.   In the past, I have always shared our safe house capacity to be at 22 adults and however many cribs we may have a need for at that time.  

 

As I write this article, we currently have 11 adults and 16 children in our safe house with 6 individuals/families still on our waiting list.   In 2009 we had up to 31 individuals in the safe house at one time.   To help more individuals and families, we purchased youth/toddler beds to help free up the adult beds so we were able to serve more individuals in need.

 

This is more than a 132% increase in nights provided over 2008.   We are very glad that we have been able to meet the rising need of those who need our help and support.   The effects of the increase in demand have put a tremendous strain on our budget.   For example, we have exceeded our grocery budget by more than $4,000 or 24% and have in turn lost funds due to the states budget cuts which directly funded shelter nights.

 

The total loss to our 2009 and 2010 budgets directly related to state budget cuts is $119,000.   In order to meet this loss we have found it necessary to cut programs (providing education at the Juvenile Detention Center), cut staff hours (fewer individuals are receiving help in counseling and case management), we did not hire behind a position when the person left and had to let one staff person go.   We have not hired any new employees to fill vacancies and the staff did not receive any raises or bonuses in 2009 with none expected in 2010.   We have trimmed our expenses to the point that there is nothing left to trim.   Our maintenance and repair issues are waiting to be fixed if and when more funding comes in or when it is absolutely necessary for us to make the repair.

 

Please know that all the staff and everyone we serve truly appreciate all our donors and supporters who have been there and continued to support us.   We would not be able to accomplish what we have without your support and help.   We know that with your continued support in 2010 we will be able to help those in need and continue to strive for our vision of Violence Free Futures.

 

Debbie Matheson

Executive Director

Family Violence Prevention Center