LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The federal government shutdown is forcing a local nonprofit to reduce its services.
Lake Family Resource Center Executive Director Gloria Flaherty said the nonprofit was advised that payment systems for its Child Abuse Treatment Program, Domestic Violence Program and Rape Crisis Center would be suspended effective on Friday.
“Due to federal and state budget cuts and cuts due to the sequester, Lake Family Resource Center no longer has the capacity to maintain programs during this government shutdown,” said Flaherty.
She added, “It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the partisan politics that created this shutdown, but I will say that in my opinion, creating a situation where services for abused children and rape victims are compromised is the height of irresponsibility.”
The agency will continue domestic violence services using state funds and will continue emergency response and crisis counseling in the Rape Crisis Center and Child Abuse Treatment.
People may access emergency services through the agency’s 24-hour phone line at 888-485-7733.
If the shutdown continues for some weeks, it is anticipated funding for several other of the agency’s programs may also be compromised, Flaherty said.
“We are very grateful to the residents of Lake County for their consistent support of Lake Family Resource Center,” said Bill Cornelison, a center board members. “Without local support, the agency would not be in a position to provide as many services as it does.”
Donations to Lake Family Resource Center are tax-deductible.
Visit the Lake Family Resource Center Web site at http://www.lakefrc.org/ .