VICTIMS' SERVICES OFFICE MAY CLOSE
By Alex Davis Endeavor News

An area agency that offers services to abuse victims may be forced to shut down its office in Emporium.

A spokesman for Citizens Against Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse said there may be no other choice as a result of an anticipated $22,000 cut in federal funds.

Executive Director Billie Jo Weyant said the group is still looking at alternatives. Her organization remains committed to helping victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Cameron and Elk counties, she added.

"We have experienced funding cuts over the past seven years, but nothing as big as this could be," Weyant explained. "It would have a devastating effect on the victims we serve."

One plan calls for closing the Emporium office, she revealed. Betty Neff, Cameron County counselor/advocate for CAPSEA, plans to retire next month. If the office were closed, Weyant added, calls for help would be routed to a "hotline" connected to emergency dispatchers.

Another option would be securing alternative space in Cameron County and recruiting a new counselor/advocate to staff the office for a limited number of hours.

Staff cuts and reduced services are also likely in Elk County, Weyant said.

CAPSEA is sorting through its options in response to the forecasted $2 billion cut in federal funds nationwide for victim-assistance organizations. About half of the local organization's operating revenue has come from the 25-year-old Victims of Crime Act, set to expire in 2010. The rest is derived from state, national and local organizations, as well as donations.

Current year budget at CAPSEA is almost $590,000. Weyant said services were provided to 363 victims in Cameron County and 3,220 in Elk County during the most recent fiscal year. These include counseling, victim/ witness advocacy, homeless assistance, transitional and permanent housing.

CAPSEA has called on area residents to pressure Pennsylvania's two senators, Arlen Specter and Bob Casey Jr., to oppose the funding cuts. She is available to provide more information at 772-3838 or elkcapsea@alltel.net.