CASA tells supervisors sexual-assault calls have risen; requests $5,000 in county funding

Stephanie Henrich, executive director for Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA), told the Osceola County Board of Supervisors that CASA has seen more than 25 sexual-assault incidents affecting Osceola County over the past year and requested $5,000 from the county’s budget to support mileage, client assistance and outreach materials.

Henrich said state funding for the nonprofit is limited to a $595,000 allocation for the agency that covers northwest Iowa, and CASA’s Spencer office suffered major flood damage in June — about $500,000 of damage per her account — which forced the agency to cash out a CD and rely on community contributions and foundations while they repair offices. She said the agency lost roughly $18,000 worth of printed prevention and outreach materials in the flood and that advocates’ hourly pay had been increased from an average $15.68 to $17 an hour to retain staff.

"We have seen over 25 ****** assaults in Osceola County," Henrich told the board, and she described the agency’s need for client assistance funds for immediate needs such as relocation, rent and utilities. She said the state Victims Assistance program can help with rental and utility assistance but that CASA currently has no extra funds for client assistance.

Henrich asked whether courthouse space could be made available occasionally to reduce travel for the county advocate who is based in Spencer and covers multiple counties. Supervisors acknowledged the request and said they would review available space and follow up.

Ending: The board thanked Henrich; no formal county appropriation was recorded in the meeting minutes, and Henrich said CASA would again request $5,000 for next year.