The Center for Prevention of Abuse in Peoria is days away from its largest annual fundraiser, the Duck Race. The non-profit says it’s relying on the event to be a success, so its services can stay afloat.
Despite the passage of a stopgap budget by Illinois lawmakers, the Center was forced to end several programs, like an initiative set up to investigate cases of self-neglect. Last year, that program addressed nearly 90 cases of seniors and adults living with a disability.
Executive Director Carol Merna says in addition to cutting programs, several vacant positions have remained unfilled, so those funds can be reserved for a “rainy day.”
“It’s been raining for about 14 months now, so we are as safe and secure as we can to care for the people who come to us trying find peace," Merna said. "But everything reaches a point where our resources run out.”
The Center also had to eliminate a program that provides therapy to children age birth to five who were traumatized by violent situations. Those children will continue to receive treatment but now through another program within the organization, Merna said.
“It’s scary," East Peoria Mayor Dave Mingus said. "The Center of Prevention is top notch, one of the best. And because of the difficulty in funding, there are services that are going to be hampered.”
Mayor Mingus urged residents throughout the region to "buy not just one duck, but as many as you can."
The Center for Prevention of Abuse raised a record $175,000 during last year's Duck Race. That money kept the organization funded this past year, Merna said.
The next Duck Race fundraiser is August 27th at the Eastside Centre in East Peoria.