Deschutes Children’s Foundation says federal funding cuts threaten critical services to help crime victims
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Deschutes Children’s Foundation is sounding the alarm that the State of Oregon is being forced to make cuts in key services such as assistance to crime victims and survivors, due to losses in federal funding.
Oregon just announced that Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funding is being reduced by $18.5 million, a significant reduction that threatens critical programs that support survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and human trafficking across Oregon.
The foundation said in a news release that “these cuts put at risk the availability and accessibility of essential support for those who need it most. While DCF does not receive VOCA funding directly, nonprofit on-campus partners at three out of the organization’s four campuses do—including J Bar J Youth Services, KIDS Center, and Saving Grace.
“We are concerned about finding funding for our coordinated human trafficking task force that serves the Tri-County region and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs,” said Stephanie Alvstad, executive director of J Bar J Youth Services. “This task force and the services tied to it are lifelines for youth in crisis. The potential loss of funding jeopardizes our ability to respond to and protect those most at risk.”
While it is not yet known exactly how each program will be affected, the foundation said this cut undoubtedly means fewer resources and greater barriers for survivors seeking help.
“This funding loss is not just about dollars,” said Cassi MacQueen, DCF Executive Director. “It’s about the safety and well-being of real people, of children and families who have experienced trauma and desperately need support and care. Our partners do the life-changing work of walking alongside survivors. When they lose resources, our entire community feels the impact”.
Community-based organizations that offer front-line support and resources to survivors are critical for our community’s safety and play a vital role in ensuring children and families in Central Oregon can begin the process of recovery after experiencing senseless violence and trauma, oftentimes at the hands of a family member or someone they trust. The loss of funding to help with recovery means victims may remain trapped in limbo.
DCF’s four campuses house 23 nonprofit organizations that serve more than 19,000 children and families each year. As a hub for nonprofits, DCF sees every day how essential these services are to the health and well-being of our community, and how important it is to ensure these organizations have the support they need to continue their work.
About Deschutes Children’s Foundation
Founded in 1990, Deschutes Children’s Foundation manages and maintains four nonprofit service centers in Bend, Redmond, and La Pine. By providing collaborative spaces and operational support, DCF empowers its 23 nonprofit partners to focus on their core missions, collectively serving over 19,000 vulnerable children and families each year.
For more information, visit deschuteschildrensfoundation.org.