BURLEY, Idaho (AP) - A southern Idaho domestic violence shelter is vowing to remain open although it failed to obtain a $200,000 grant.
The Mini-Cassia Shelter Advocates against Violence asked for the grant from the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence and Victim Assistance after the agency lost funding last year because it was out of compliance with a state grant, The Times-News reported (https://bit.ly/1rqTeFw).
The extra funding was denied because the shelter’s policies and financial documents were not readily produced during a site visit. A letter from the council said the shelter was “unorganized” and unfamiliar with current standards for funding.
Shelter Director Lynda Brennen says the shelter was disorganized because they were in the middle of a remodeling project.
“Because of the chaos I couldn’t get my hands on a couple of the policies they wanted,” Brennen said.
Shelter staff and board members said they will raise funds in order to stay open. Brennen said she will lay off one part-time employee at the end of the month, but that the doors will stay open.
“We need to make Mini-Cassia aware of the domestic violence that happens here,” Brennen said.
The shelter offers emergency housing, food, clothing and household items and case management to make sure the victim is receiving all available services like counseling and medical help. The shelter helps about 12 domestic violence victims a month.
“We are here for the Mini-Cassia area,” she said. “Our heart, minds and skills are open to assisting victims and their families.”
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Information from: The Times-News, https://www.magicvalley.com
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