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Safe Connections director urges restoration of county nonprofit funding for family‑visitation services
Summary
Shannon O’Connor, executive director of Safe Connections Family Visitation Center, told commissioners July 22 that the nonprofit’s funding was cut and urged the board to restore county support, arguing the center reduces long‑term demands on law enforcement and the justice system.
Shannon O’Connor, executive director of Safe Connections Family Visitation Center, addressed the Board of County Commissioners during public comment at the July 22 budget workshop and urged restoration of county nonprofit funding.
O’Connor described Safe Connections as a provider of family‑visitation and crisis‑navigation services that support victims and families and said recent cuts to nonprofit assistance have left the organization seeking alternative funding sources. She said she contacted the sheriff’s office and clerk’s office for possible support but was told those offices lack available budget to assume the program.
“We were also directed to reach out to churches, generous in spirit, but already financially stretched, and goodwill alone can't replace the county funded support that once sustained these, vital services,” O’Connor said. She said Safe Connections reduces demand on law enforcement, hospitals and the justice system and asked the commission to explore new funding pathways, partnerships and grant opportunities to keep the organization’s services available.
Commissioners did not take action on the request at the workshop; O’Connor asked staff and commissioners to consider nonprofit funding restoration during upcoming budget deliberations.
