Arlington Heights nonprofit seeks to close budget gap
Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, the only sexual assault rape crisis center serving North and Northwest suburban Cook and McHenry counties, has launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise $150,000 to counter severe budget cuts from the federal VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) Program.
"This funding will be used to support an additional trauma counselor with expertise to address debilitating symptoms resulting from sexual violence," said Carrie Estrada, executive director of the Arlington Heights-based nonprofit.
"This role is particularly important because our service agency and others within the state of Illinois have wait-lists and survivors are being left without adequate support."
The organization also operates the CARE Center, a satellite office of NWCASA, at 4508 Prime Parkway in McHenry.
All services provided by NWCASA are free and confidential. Visit www.nwcasa.org.
The funding deficit and resulting reduction of needed services directly harms survivors impacted by sexual violence, which will impact the local community.
Estrada said, "We currently have more than 40 people waiting for our specialized trauma counseling. We are asking our stakeholders to help us support survivors during this budget deficit. Our neighbors and loved ones may need these healing services and it is imperative we be there for them."
50% reduction in current funding levels
VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) federal funds comprise deposits from criminal fines, penalties, forfeited bail bonds and special assessments collected by the federal government.
"Unfortunately, these funds are now severely reduced due to reduced prosecution of white-collar crimes as well as prior diversion of eligible funds to the national treasury rather than the VOCA Crime Victims Fund," said Carrie Ward, CEO of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
"Effective July 1, 2023, due to VOCA cuts, Illinois rape crisis centers are facing the loss of $9.5 million in funding - a reduction of over 50% from current funding levels.
"To help reduce this significant shortfall, the Illinois Department of Human Services designated $5 million in federal Social Services Block Grant funding for Sexual Assault services," Ward added. "However, while other victim services' funds also will be reduced, these cuts are especially devastating to sexual violence services because of Illinois' historic underinvestment."
NWCASA campaign
Without more state funds, rape crisis centers will have to make drastic changes in services or eliminate services altogether.
Two community organizations have stepped up to help Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault close the short-term funding gap to support the role of a critically needed additional trauma counselor.
Hanover Township Mental Health Board made the first donation of $50,000 to kick off the summer campaign.
In addition, the United Way of Greater McHenry County has donated $25,000.
"Through the generosity of these organizations, we are about halfway toward meeting our summer fundraising campaign goal," Estrada said. "We will continue to reach out to community stakeholders for their support to ensure continuity in our service to the community."
"The crucial, lifesaving services provided by the NWCASA are an absolute safety net for so many vulnerable and at-risk people in our community," said Kathy Biesiadecki, Hanover Township Mental Health board chairwoman. "Supporting NWCASA's summer campaign ensures our residents have access to their trauma counselors and advocacy programs."
"The United Way of Greater McHenry County is proud to grant funds to NWCASA to ensure that counselors and advocates are available, to everyone at any time of the day, in McHenry County to empower survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones who need support," said Jamie Maravich, CEO and president of United Way of Greater McHenry County.
"Their focus on sexual assault prevention is also very important. Without their unique programs and services, sexual assault would happen more frequently, and survivors would not have readily available assistance."
24/7 crisis hotline
Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault, 415 W. Golf Road, Suite 47, in Arlington Heights, is the only full-service agency that provides free services to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones.
The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has been responding to the needs of survivors of sexual violence and their significant others for more than 40 years.
A 24-hour/seven-day a week sexual assault trauma crisis hotline is available: (888) 802-8890.
For more details or make a donation, visit www.nwcasa.org. For questions, contact Carrie Estrada, executive director, at cestrada@nwcasa.org or (847) 806-6526, ext. 140.