Local nonprofit still waiting for answers on federal grant money
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The metro organization countering sexual assault, also known as MOCSA, is still waiting for an answer about the potential for federal grant money.
'We just submitted the renewal for that grant application in January and we have heard nothing in terms of whether or not those are going to be reviewed and whether or not awards will be made,' said MOCSA President and CEO Julie Donelon.
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If no money is awarded, Donelon says one of the resources that could be in jeopardy is MOCSA's legal advocacy department which provides free legal services to survivors.
'It costs about $300,000 a year to provide that program with paralegal and attorney fees so we will have to fundraise for all of that or close the program,' Donelon said.
That's because, at this time, the Office on Violence Against Women has removed information about funding opportunities with no updates posted since February.
Just last year, OVW awarded $11.6 million to different state and local programs in Missouri. It also awarded $5.6 million to programs in Kansas.
'Kansas City would be losing five million dollars and that is just as you can imagine hundreds of thousands of survivors that won't have access to services,' Donelon explained.
She also says that last year, their attorney worked with 174 people, helping them with needs like filing an order of protection, divorce and custody cases that involve abuse.
'To have someone they can go to who can represent them in all these matters is critical to them feeling safe secure and whole again,' Donelon said about the service.
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The need for support isn't slowing down either; in the past six years, Donelon says they've seen a 30% increase in the number of victims reaching out for help.
MOCSA is also dealing with the impacts of a 40% cut to the Victims of Crime Act from last year. However, Donelon hopes an answer on the status of the application comes soon so they can plan for what's next.
If you or someone you know needs help, call MOCSA's 24-hour crisis line at 816-531-0233 in Missouri, or 913-642-0233 in Kansas. You can also learn more about their resources here.
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