Crisis Connection asks Du Bois County for $5,000 to shore up victim services

A representative of Crisis Connection asked the Du Bois County council to contribute $5,000 to the nonprofit's annual budget, saying the organization provides confidential advocacy and emergency assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence.

"In 2025, 12% of all charges filed were related to crimes linked to our mission," the presenter said, noting that those crimes are often underreported and that linking victims to advocacy services reduces the risk of serious harm. The speaker emphasized that communications with victims are protected under Indiana law to safeguard victims and investigators.

The presenter outlined services Crisis Connection supplies to local schools and families, including curricula, printed materials and emergency aid. She said the group provided nearly $10,000 in emergency funding in 2025, helped 15 to 16 adults and 23 children secure emergency shelter and provided about 100 nights of shelter. She added the organization relies on a mix of federal and state grants and local donations and that the share of grant funding has declined in recent years.

During questions from council members, the presenter said the organization historically received about 75% of its operating dollars from federal and state grants and 25% from local donations; that funding sources have shifted toward a roughly 60/40 mix; and that the organization is bracing for a projected 60/40 (grant/local) split in 2027. She said the budget supports roughly 9.24 full-time equivalents and that without new revenue the group may eliminate one position.

Council members and a longtime volunteer thanked Crisis Connection staff and volunteers for their work. The council did not take a formal vote on the request during the meeting; the item was presented for consideration and will be addressed in future budget discussions.