TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Day after day as the federal government shutdown lags on, 2 Works For You is finding more agencies and programs hurt by the closure.
One group: rural agencies helping with domestic violence victims.
Help In Crisis in Tahlequah said federal funds are essential to is four county operations.
Last year the agency said it helped 7,5000 people in Adair, Cherokee, Sequoyah and Wagoner counties.
It’s shelter holds 32 beds, but it served a 400 women and children in 2018.
Help In Crisis also employs 27 case workers and advocates.
Laura Kuester, the agency’s executive director, said rural domestic violence assistance agencies across the country are bracing for cuts if federal grants don't come in.
“I know they're arguing about big issues, but we have real everyday life and death issues right here that we're dealing with that are just as important if not more," said Kuester.
Local victim services coordinators, who work with our district attorney's offices, also receive the same funding to help survivors seek justice in our courts.
National domestic violence awareness groups are sounding the alarm.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
