To the editor:
It is with much sadness that I write this letter. After 30 years of providing shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault; and strengthening community awareness and education of these issues, Domestic Violence Alternatives/Sexual Assault Center, Inc. will be closing.
Outreach services will be transitioned to another sexual/domestic abuse agency by Aug. 30. This decision is based on a decrease in funding from federal and state agencies to all domestic abuse and sexual assault programs in Iowa, and specifically to DVA/SAC as of July 1.
Our agency cannot continue to provide quality services to victims/survivors and their families without funding from these federal and state sources.
DVA/SAC has been working to transition programming to the new domestic abuse and sexual assault agencies for Poweshiek and Jasper Counties, the Crisis Intervention Services (sexual assault and shelter-based services) from Oskaloosa and the Crisis Center & Women’s Shelter (domestic abuse services)from Ottumwa.
DVA/SAC has worked diligently to coordinate services between these agencies, Jasper and Poweshiek County residents and community partners during a transition period.
Our goal is to lessen the impact of our organization’s closure on our clients, communities, partnering agencies, and victims/survivors who have not yet sought assistance.
DVA/SAC strongly encourages our communities and supporters to embrace both the Crisis Intervention Services and the Crisis Center & Women’s Shelter and assist these agencies in providing quality services to all victims and survivors of sexual abuse and domestic assault.
DVA/SAC Staff and Board are extremely grateful for the amazing support we have received from our communities in Jasper and Poweshiek Counties since 1983. We also thank you all for your continued efforts to end violence in your communities.
If anyone has questions or concerns about the transition of services from DVA/SAC to these incoming service providers, please do not hesitate to contact our agency at (641) 752-3245.
Sexual assault and shelter-based services through Crisis Intervention Services can be reached at 1-800-270-1620. Domestic abuse services through Crisis Center & Women’s Shelter can be reached at 1-800-464-8340.
Dotti Thompson
Executive Director
Domestic Violence Alternatives/Sexual
Assault Center, Inc.