NWCASA seeks to close service gap caused by severe federal budget cuts

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA), the only sexual assault rape crisis center serving North and Northwest Suburban Cook County and McHenry County, has launched an emergency fund-raising campaign to raise $150,000 to counter severe budget cuts from the federal VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) Program.

All services provided by NWCASA are free and confidential. Visit: www.nwcasa.org

“This funding will be used to support an additional trauma counselor with expertise to address debilitating symptoms resulting from sexual violence. This role is particularly important because our service agency and others within the State of Illinois have waitlists and survivors are being left without adequate support,” said Carrie Estrada, Executive Director, NWCASA, based in Arlington Heights.

The organization also operates the CARE Center, a satellite office of NWCASA, located at 4508 Prime Parkway, McHenry, IL.

The funding deficit and resulting reduction of needed services directly harms survivors impacted by sexual violence which will impact the local community.

Estrada further points out, “We currently have more than forty people waiting for our specialized trauma counseling. We are asking our stakeholders to help us support survivors during this budget deficit. Our neighbors and loved ones may need these healing services and it is imperative we be there for them.”

VOCA Budget Cuts Excelerate Critical Service Reductions

VOCA (Victims of Crime Act) federal funds comprise deposits from criminal fines, penalties, forfeited bail bonds and special assessments collected by the federal government.

“Unfortunately, these funds are now severely reduced due to reduced prosecution of white-collar crimes as well as prior diversion of eligible funds to the national treasury rather than the VOCA Crime Victims Fund,” said Carrie Ward, CEO, ICASA (Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault).

“Effective July 1, 2023, due to VOCA cuts, Illinois rape crisis centers are facing the loss of $9.5 million in funding — a reduction of over 50% from current funding levels. To help reduce this significant shortfall, the Illinois dept of Human Services designated $5M in federal Social Services Block Grant funding for Sexual Assault services,” Ward added.

However, while other victim services’ funds will also be reduced, these cuts are “especially devastating to sexual violence services because of Illinois’ historic underinvestment,” Ward points out.

“In the last 20 years, however, Illinois has increased funding for rape crisis services by just $2 million, an amount that falls short in keeping up with rising workforce costs and inflation,” Ward emphasized.

NWCASA Campaign Underway: Generous Community Support

Without more state funds, rape crisis centers will have to make drastic changes in services or eliminate services altogether. Two community organizations have stepped up to help NWCASA close the short-term funding gap to support the role of a critically needed additional trauma counselor.

Hanover Township Mental Health Board made the first generous donation of $50,000 to kick-off the summer campaign. In addition, the United Way of Greater McHenry County has donated $25,000 to the urgent cause.

“Through the generosity of these organizations, we are about halfway toward meeting our summer fund-raising campaign goal,” said Estrada. “We will continue to reach out to community stakeholders for their support to ensure continuity in our service to the community.”

“The crucial, lifesaving services provided by the NWCASA are an absolute safety net for so many vulnerable and at-risk people in our community,” said Kathy Biesiadecki, Hanover Township Mental Health Board Chairperson. “Supporting NWCASA’s summer campaign ensures our residents have access to their trauma counselors and advocacy programs.”

“The United Way of Greater McHenry County is proud to grant funds to NWCASA to ensure that counselors and advocates are available, to everyone at any time of the day, in McHenry County to empower survivors of sexual assault and their loved ones who need support.

“Their focus on sexual assault prevention is also very important. Without their unique programs and services, sexual assault would happen more frequently, and survivors would not have readily available assistance,” said Jamie Maravich, CE0 and President, United Way of Greater McHenry County.

About NWCASA: 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 888-802-8890

Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault (NWCASA) is the only full-service agency that provides free services to sexual assault survivors and their loved ones within the North and Northwest suburbs of Cook County and McHenry County. NWCASA has been responding to the needs of survivors of sexual violence and their significant others for more than 40 years. NWCASA is a not-for-profit 501 c (3) organization.

A 24 hour/seven day a week sexual assault trauma crisis hotline is available: 888-802-8890. NWCASA is a governing body member of the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault.

For more information and to make a donation, visit www.nwcasa.org

For further information contact: Carrie Estrada, Executive Director at cestrada@nwcasa.org or call 847-806-6526 extension 140. Mailing address: NWCASA, 415 West Golf Road, Suite 47, Arlington Heights, IL.