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Commissioners forward $75,000 to Family Crisis Center amid surge in child-victim cases
Summary
Facing a dramatic increase in clients and a $600,000 loss in federal grants, the Family Crisis Center requested an early $75,000 release of its customary annual county appropriation; the board approved the forward funding to cover cash-flow needs through June 30.
The Randolph County Board of Commissioners approved a $75,000 appropriation from fund balance to aid the Family Crisis Center and Emmy'9s House after staff reported steep, recent increases in demand and a major loss of grant funding.
Nikki Jenkins, executive director of the Family Crisis Center, told commissioners the agency serves roughly 1,400 individuals annually but has seen a 78% jump in advocacy clients and a 60% rise in emergency shelter use so far this fiscal year. Jenkins said the center experienced about a $600,000 reduction in federal grant funding in the last year and has trimmed next-year budgets to roughly $493,736.21 while seeking new grants and ramping up fundraising.
"We are in dire need right now," Jenkins said, asking that the board release the $75,000 the county typically budgets for the organization in August but provide it immediately to cover operations through the June 30 fiscal year end. The board heard supporting testimony from Randolph County District Attorney Andy Gregson, who described historic numbers of investigations and charged defendants in child-sex-crime cases and said Emmy'9s House and the center have been "a game changer" for prosecution and victim services.
Commissioners discussed funding alternatives and whether cities or other partners might help meet matching requirements for pending grants; the board approved the $75,000 appropriation by voice vote and asked staff to complete the budget amendment.
The Family Crisis Center said it has already cut costs, consolidated facilities (moving shelter and Emmy'9s House under one roof to reduce rent expenses) and diversified fundraising. The agency also outlined grant matches that, if realized, would reduce the current shortfall.
The board'9s appropriation is a forward funding of an item typically included in the annual budget; staff said the amount will be charged to fund balance and documented in the fiscal-year accounts.
