An organization in southeast Iowa that’s been helping victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse will close its doors.
The Tri-State Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Abuse has been providing a wide range of services in Keokuk for nearly 30 years.
That will come to an end, though, in June 2014.
Executive Director Sue Prochazka says Iowa is moving towards a regional approach to victim services to make up for past funding cuts, which prompted the local decision.
The plan came from the Iowa Attorney General's Office's Crime Victim Assistance Division.
Prochazka says the state has been divided into six regions, with each region receiving three service contracts: shelter-based services, sexual abuse comprehensive services and domestic abuse comprehensive services.
She says Lee and Van Buren Counties will be part of a region that extends north to Dubuque.
“It’s a sad time for our program and we appreciate the support we have received from the community during the past 30 years," says Prochazka. “While closing the agency was not a part of our strategic plan, it is important that we focus on maintaining services for Lee and Van Buren counties.”
She says Iowa City-based Domestic Violence Intervention Program and Rape Victim Advocacy Program will provide the direct services.
Prochazka says the next 11 months will serve as a time of transition for the organization.
The coalition will continue to accept private donations with all remaining assets being earmarked for Lee and Van Buren Counties.
Prochazka says local services (crisis line, counseling, and advocacy) will remain available through June 2014. She says a regional hotline should be in place within the next few months.
Input regarding the transition can be sent to tsctransition@gmail.com.
