Federal funding cuts leave local organizations scrambling

MIAMI, Okla. (KOAM) - "It is really bleak for our state right now for victim services."

The state of Oklahoma has some of the highest rates for domestic violence and child abuse in the nation.

Oklahoma non-profit organizations that support victims say the number of people they help every year is rising.

Organizations such as the Community Crisis Center and the Children's Advocacy Center of Ottawa County in Miami help hundreds of individuals each year.

But a cut of roughly $700 million to the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) is drawing concerns from non-profits across the country. Local non-profits say though they have been seeing cuts to funding in recent years, they  have never had one so big.

"We're being told now we're going to lose another $140,000. So it's been drastic cuts for our agency. VOCA  supports our shelter," says Kelsey Samuels, Executive Director of the Community Crisis Center .

Local organizations say these cuts will hurt groups already struggling to provide for a vulnerable population.

"I feel like our government cuts from the people who can't afford to be cut anymore, which like in this case is our are victims," says Leslie Bissell, Executive Director of the Children's Advocacy Center of Ottawa County .

The Victims of Crime Act Fund is made up of fines and fees, and it does not contain any tax-payer dollars.

Most non-profits are expecting to see cuts of at least 40%. Organizations that receive the grants say the cuts are leaving them with limited options.

"The reality is you have to make it up in the community. And if you can't make it up in the community, then you have to cut services," says Samuels.

Bissell says her organization is the same saying, "We don't ever want to think that we're going to have to cut services, So we would have to rely on volunteers or just find a way to make up for it, find a way to make up the money. And it's hard. It's challenging in an economy that's already suffering."

Non-profits such as the Community Crisis Center and the Child Advocacy Center say they see the need for their services growing the community.

"We want individuals to stay safe and to keep their families safe," says Samuels. "We know that we have to continue."

The non-profits say they are relying on community support following the cuts. They encourage the community to reach out to Oklahoma legislatures to urge for more funding for support services.

The organizations also say the community can help them survive the funding cuts by making donations of either supplies or financial support. You can learn about their individual needs on the Community Crisis Center or the Children's Advocacy Center websites.

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