From the Statesman:
Seven months after being named one of the nation's best programs for victims of violence, SafePlace is slashing jobs, cutting services and closing one of its emergency shelters because of money problems.I already give to Safeplace through my employer's charitable campaign but I'm going to give more. I'm really saddened by the thought of people being placed on such long waiting lists for counseling when it's an essential feature of the package of services abused families need to help them move on and get back on their feet. Please join me in giving if you can - donate here. Posted by sarah at November 17, 2004 11:44 AM | TrackBackThe Austin nonprofit organization expects to lose $1.3 million by the end of 2005 because of shrinking public and private revenue, said Rebecca Lightsey, SafePlace's executive director. That reduction, combined with the group's annual need to raise $1.5 million for operating expenses, means the nonprofit would have to generate $2.8 million to maintain current services through 2005. So SafePlace is cutting back.
In February, the group plans to fold its single women's shelter into its family shelter, reducing capacity from 122 to 100. Officials are laying off 19 people and reducing services, including counseling. The waiting list for sexual assault victims seeking counseling already is three months long. Children wait four to six months.