United Way lending shelter a hand
CHAMPAIGN – The United Way of Champaign County is providing an emergency payment of $18,000 to the parent organization of A Woman's Place to allow the organization to remain in operation.
Lyn Jones, president and CEO of United Way of Champaign County, said she got approval from her organization's board of directors to make an allocation from United Way's safety net fund to A Woman's Fund.
"The safety net fund is earmarked to address crisis situations in the community, especially with our partner agencies, and A Woman's Fund is one of our partner agencies," Jones said.
Jones said $18,000 will be transferred to A Woman's Fund today.
"That's the amount of money they needed to make their payroll next week," Jones said.
A Woman's Place, one of the nation's first shelters for women escaping domestic violence, operates under the parent organization A Woman's Fund.
Tara Bossert, human resources manager for A Woman's Place and A Woman's Fund, said the staff there was "ecstatic" over the news of United Way's contribution.
"This means we can meet our payroll obligations from last week," Bossert said. "This doesn't solve all our problems, but it allows us to stay in operation. And if the state does release some money to us, that's money we can use to continue to provide services in the future."
Officials at A Woman's Place announced earlier this week that it was down to a skeleton staff of six and may have to close if it doesn't get a past-due state payment soon.
The state owes the agency $126,000 for expenses incurred since Aug. 1, according to Illinois comptroller's office spokeswoman Carol Knowles.
"United Way recognizes the unique and critical service that A Woman's Fund provides to our community," Jones said. "Sheltering and protecting the victims of domestic violence and their children is an essential service that cannot be discontinued."
Bossert thanked the United Way for the emergency payment.
"We appreciate the United Way stepping up for us; that is what the United Way does," Bossert said. "They are here to help agencies like us when crisis situations arise."
The agency also received about $3,500 in donations Thursday, after the
financial problems became public, Bossert said.
Donations may be dropped off or mailed to: A Woman's Place, 1304 E. Main St.
Urbana, IL 61802.
For information, call 384-4462 or check www.awomansfund.org.
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